At NEDC, we cut lots of gasketing materials. Silicone rubber is a go-to choice for a lot of our customers. The reasoning for this is plenty:
Reasons to Use Silicone Rubber Gaskets:
- Its high-temperature/low temperature resistant properties.
- It has anti-stick properties
- Low compression set
- Its hydrophobic due to its low surface energy
- Its great for UV radiation, Ozone, and various other extreme weather conditions.
One drawback of silicone rubber is it is not as physically tough as for example, EPDM rubber or some other organic polymers. In some cases, our customers will switch it to those other options for those reasons. However, there are times when our customers require silicone because of all the other beneficial properties it can offer as listed above. In those cases, our customer is in a bind. They like the great high/low temperature properties of silicone, but they want a tough, durable silicone gasket.
Solution: High-Strength Silicone Rubber Gasket Material
In cases such as those, NEDC will often suggest a silicone rubber that meets the A-A-59588 Class 3B previously ZZR765 Class 3B. These silicone rubber materials are high-strength being tear, and flex resistant. High Strength Silicone that is tear, and flex resistant along with a wide temperature range. In addition, these high strength gaskets feature higher elongation, and higher tensile strength. In addition, they can meet other aerospace specifications such as AMS-3348, for 30 durometer, or AMS-3347 is the 50 durometer specification.
High-Strength Silicone Rubber Gasketing Materials
There are a few materials that are commercially available that are often utilized. These materials are from Saint Gobain Performance Plastics (SGPP).
These two materials are:
SGPP (Saint Gobain Performance Products)
Norseal 9235 (30A Durometer)- Datasheet Download Below (Legacy CHR 9235)
Norseal 9255 (50A Durometer)- Datasheet Download Below (Legacy CHR 9255)
Intersil Silicones
IST-35 High-Strength Silicone Rubber, Available in 50 Durometer, meets AMS-3347, A-A-59588 Class 3B, Grade 50, ASTM D2000 grades. Datasheet Download
Applications for High Strength Silicone Rubber for Pads/Gaskets
-Door Seals/Window Seals
-Aerospace/Defense applications
-Vibration Mounts
Availability of High Strength Silicone Rubbers
Both materials are available in .031’’, .063’’ , .094’’ and .125’’ in thickness in standard rolled goods at 36’’ wide. These materials typically come in a gray color, however other colors in some cases are available upon request. NEDC die-cuts, or waterjet-cuts this materials into custom gasket shapes. In addition, adhesive tape is required for ease in assembly, NEDC can also supply that.
More Info on Silicone Gasketing
For more information regarding high-strength silicone rubber, or if you think you have an application that could utilize it please contact sales@nedc.com.
Datasheet Download 9200- 9235 and 9255 High Strength Silicone Rubber