silicones.
From permanently elastic seals and RTV-2 impression materials to biocompatible silicone for medical technology: silicones combine temperature resistance, elasticity, and electrical insulation like almost no other material class. This section explains the fundamentals, selection criteria, and typical applications.
overview
Basics
Silicones (polysiloxanes) are based on an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone with organic side groups. This results in their typical combination of temperature resistance (usually -50 to +200 degrees Celsius, depending on the type), UV and weather stability, electrical insulation, and permanent elasticity. The main distinction is based on the curing process: RTV-1 cures as a single component through atmospheric moisture and is suitable for seals and adhesives; RTV-2 is a two-component material that cures either by addition (platinum-catalyzed, low shrinkage, qualified for medical and food applications depending on the product) or by condensation (tin-catalyzed, tolerant of critical substrates). Key selection criteria include hardness (Shore A), viscosity and pot life, temperature range, substrate, and product-specific certifications such as ISO 10993 or USP Class VI according to the manufacturer's documentation.
range
Products & Brands
SILITECH's silicone range covers the entire spectrum of this material class: RTV-2 molding silicones for mold making and potting, RTV-1 sealants and adhesives, silicone oils and greases, emulsions, primers, and silicone sprays. In addition to our own SILISIL brand, we also carry Elkem silicones from the Bluesil, Silbione, and CAF series. Standard products are generally available for immediate delivery from our Gümligen warehouse; technical and safety data sheets are available to assist with your decision-making.
To know
Popular content
In-depth technical articles from the knowledge center: from the choice of system RTV-1 or RTV-2 to Shore hardness and viscosity to biocompatible silicones.
Overview
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Areas of application
For which industry?
Silicones seal, pot, insulate, and protect in numerous industries. An overview of three application areas with particularly high requirements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RTV-1 and RTV-2?
RTV-1 is a one-component compound that cures from the outside in through atmospheric humidity, making it ideal for seals and bonds with limited layer thickness. RTV-2 is a two-component compound that cures continuously regardless of humidity, allowing for precise, low-shrinkage molding and casting, even in thick layers.
Which Shore hardness is the right one?
Soft grades (Shore A 10 to 30) are highly ductile and facilitate demolding in undercut applications; medium grades (40 to 60) cover many molding and sealing tasks; hard grades (70 to 90) are dimensionally stable and resistant to abrasion. Mechanical stress, resilience, and demoldability are crucial factors. In borderline cases, a molding test on the original part is recommended.
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Material question still open?
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