Overview
High Temperature Silicone is a specialized silicone elastomer engineered to maintain its mechanical properties, flexibility, and sealing performance under prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Compared with standard silicone rubber, High Temp Silicone offers enhanced thermal stability, heat aging resistance, oxidation resistance, and long-term durability in extreme temperature environments.
These materials are commonly formulated using premium silicone polymers and heat-resistant additives to withstand continuous exposure to temperatures significantly above conventional elastomers.
High Temperature Silicone is widely used in:
- Aerospace Systems
- Automotive Engines
- Industrial Furnaces
- Heating Equipment
- Electrical Insulation Systems
- Food Processing Equipment
- High-Temperature Sealing Applications
- Energy Industry Components
Due to its outstanding heat resistance and environmental durability, High Temperature Silicone is one of the most widely used elastomers for extreme operating conditions.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | High Temperature Silicone |
| Full Name | High Temp Silicone Rubber |
| Material Family | Silicone Elastomer (VMQ) |
| Density | 1.15–1.40 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Red, Orange, White, Black, Custom Colors |
| Hardness Range | Shore A 30–90 |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | Compression Molding, Injection Molding, Extrusion, LSR Molding |
| Standard Forms | Sheets, Tubes, Gaskets, Molded Parts |
Chemical Composition
High Temperature Silicone is based on heat-stabilized silicone polymers.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Silicone Polymer (VMQ) | Elastic Matrix |
| Reinforcing Silica | Mechanical Strength |
| Heat Stabilizers | Thermal Resistance |
| Crosslinking Agents | Curing System |
| Specialty Additives | Long-Term Heat Aging Protection |
The formulation is optimized to maintain elasticity and strength at elevated temperatures.
Common High Temperature Silicone Grades
| Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Standard High Temp Silicone | Up to 250°C |
| Ultra High Temp Silicone | Up to 300°C |
| Platinum-Cured High Temp Silicone | High Purity Applications |
| Food Grade High Temp Silicone | Food Processing Equipment |
| Aerospace Grade Silicone | Extreme Environment Applications |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 7–14 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200–600% |
| Tear Strength | 20–55 kN/m |
| Compression Set | Low |
| Hardness | Shore A 30–90 |
| Resilience | Excellent |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Outstanding |
| Elastic Recovery | Outstanding |
| Heat Aging Resistance | Outstanding |
| Fatigue Resistance | Excellent |
High Temperature Silicone retains flexibility even after prolonged heat exposure.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.15–1.40 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | Very Low |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.15–0.35 W/m·K |
| UV Resistance | Outstanding |
| Ozone Resistance | Outstanding |
The material performs exceptionally well in harsh industrial environments.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous Service Temperature | -60°C to 250°C |
| Premium Grades | Up to 300°C |
| Short-Term Peak Temperature | Up to 315°C |
| Brittleness Temperature | Below -70°C |
High Temperature Silicone provides one of the broadest operating temperature ranges among elastomers.
Heat Aging Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Thermal Stability | Outstanding |
| Oxidation Resistance | Outstanding |
| Thermal Aging Resistance | Outstanding |
| Property Retention After Heat Exposure | Excellent |
High Temperature Silicone maintains performance during prolonged operation in elevated temperatures.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| High Temp Silicone | 1.25 | 10 MPa |
| Standard Silicone | 1.20 | 8 MPa |
| EPDM | 1.15 | 10 MPa |
| FKM (Viton) | 1.80 | 12 MPa |
While not intended as a structural material, High Temp Silicone excels in thermal durability.
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water | Outstanding |
| Steam | Outstanding |
| Ozone | Outstanding |
| UV Exposure | Outstanding |
| Dilute Acids | Good |
| Dilute Alkalis | Good |
| Alcohols | Good |
| Petroleum Oils | Moderate |
| Fuels | Poor to Moderate |
The material performs exceptionally well in environmental exposure applications.
Weather & Environmental Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Outstanding |
| Ozone Resistance | Outstanding |
| Outdoor Durability | Outstanding |
| Aging Resistance | Outstanding |
High Temperature Silicone maintains performance during long-term outdoor exposure.
Electrical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁴ Ω·cm |
| Dielectric Strength | 18–25 kV/mm |
| Dielectric Constant | 2.8–3.5 |
| Arc Resistance | Excellent |
Widely used as a high-temperature electrical insulation material.
Compression Set Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Seal Retention | Outstanding |
| Elastic Recovery | Outstanding |
| Long-Term Gasket Performance | Excellent |
| Compression Set Resistance | Excellent |
Ideal for high-temperature sealing and gasket applications.
Flame Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Self-Extinguishing | Yes |
| Flame Resistance | Excellent |
| Smoke Generation | Low |
| High-Temperature Safety | Outstanding |
Certain grades are available with enhanced flame-retardant formulations.
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| Compression Molding | Outstanding |
| Injection Molding | Outstanding |
| Extrusion | Outstanding |
| LSR Molding | Excellent |
| Overmolding | Excellent |
High Temperature Silicone supports both prototype and mass production manufacturing.
International Equivalent Standards
| Standard | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| ASTM D2000 | High Temp VMQ |
| ISO | VMQ |
| DIN | Hochtemperatur Silikon |
| JIS | High Temperature Silicone |
| GB/T (China) | 耐高温硅胶 |
| FDA | Food Grade Versions Available |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheets | Yes |
| Tubes | Yes |
| Gaskets | Yes |
| Extruded Profiles | Yes |
| Molded Parts | Yes |
| O-Rings | Yes |
Typical Applications
Aerospace Industry
- Engine Seals
- Environmental Seals
- Thermal Protection Components
- Aircraft Ducting Systems
Automotive Industry
- Turbocharger Hoses
- Engine Gaskets
- Ignition System Components
- High-Temperature Seals
Industrial Equipment
- Furnace Seals
- Heat Processing Equipment
- Thermal Insulation Components
- High-Temperature Gaskets
Electrical Industry
- High-Temperature Cable Insulation
- Electrical Connectors
- Power Equipment Components
Food Processing Industry
- Oven Gaskets
- Bakery Equipment Components
- High-Temperature Food Contact Parts
Energy Industry
- Solar Equipment Components
- Power Generation Systems
- Thermal Management Equipment
Advantages
Exceptional Heat Resistance
Continuous operation up to 250°C with premium grades reaching 300°C.
Outstanding Thermal Aging Resistance
Maintains elasticity and performance during prolonged heat exposure.
Excellent UV & Ozone Resistance
Suitable for outdoor and environmental applications.
Superior Low-Temperature Flexibility
Remains flexible even below -60°C.
Excellent Electrical Insulation
Maintains dielectric properties under heat.
Long Service Life
Outstanding resistance to aging and environmental degradation.
Limitations
Moderate Mechanical Strength
Not intended for heavy structural loads.
Limited Fuel Resistance
Not recommended for long-term gasoline exposure.
Higher Cost
More expensive than standard industrial elastomers.
Higher Gas Permeability
Less suitable for high-pressure gas sealing applications.
Comparison with High-Temperature Elastomers
| Property | High Temp Silicone | FKM (Viton) | EPDM | Standard Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Outstanding | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Low Temperature Flexibility | Outstanding | Good | Good | Outstanding |
| UV Resistance | Outstanding | Good | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Fuel Resistance | Moderate | Outstanding | Poor | Poor |
| Cost | High | Very High | Low | Moderate |
Comparison with FKM (Viton)
| Property | High Temp Silicone | FKM |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Temperature | Higher | |
| Low Temperature Flexibility | Better | |
| UV Resistance | Better | |
| Fuel Resistance | Lower | |
| Cost | Lower |
High Temperature Silicone is often selected when extreme temperature performance is more important than fuel resistance.
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Smooth Surface
- Matte Finish
- Molded Finish
Functional Finishes
- Heat Resistant Finish
- Food Grade Finish
- Electrical Insulation Finish
Specialty Grades
- Ultra High Temp Silicone
- Aerospace Grade Silicone
- Food Grade High Temp Silicone
- Platinum-Cured Silicone
- Flame Retardant Silicone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is High Temperature Silicone?
High Temperature Silicone is a heat-resistant silicone elastomer designed to maintain performance under prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.
What is High Temperature Silicone used for?
Typical applications include:
- Engine Seals
- Furnace Components
- Electrical Insulation
- Aerospace Systems
- Industrial Gaskets
What temperature can High Temp Silicone withstand?
Most grades operate continuously at 200–250°C, while specialty grades can withstand short-term exposure up to 300–315°C.
Is High Temp Silicone flexible at low temperatures?
Yes. It remains flexible even below -60°C.
Is High Temp Silicone weather resistant?
Yes. It offers outstanding resistance to UV, ozone, and outdoor exposure.
Why choose High Temperature Silicone?
Because it combines:
- Extreme Temperature Resistance
- Thermal Aging Stability
- Excellent Flexibility
- UV Resistance
- Long Service Life
What is the difference between High Temp Silicone and Standard Silicone?
High Temp Silicone contains specialized heat stabilizers that improve long-term performance at elevated temperatures.
Does GCNOV provide High Temperature Silicone manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- High Temperature Silicone Compression Molding
- Injection Molding
- Extrusion Services
- High-Temperature Gasket Manufacturing
- Aerospace Silicone Components
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production