Silicones.
From permanently elastic seals to RTV-2 molding compounds to biocompatible silicone for medical technology: silicones combine temperature resistance, elasticity, and electrical insulation like few other material classes. This topic area 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. They are primarily differentiated by crosslinking: RTV-1 cures in one component through atmospheric moisture and is suitable for seals and bonding; RTV-2 is two-component and crosslinks either by addition curing (platinum-catalyzed, low shrinkage, qualified for medical and food applications depending on the product) or by condensation curing (tin-catalyzed, tolerant of critical substrates). Key factors for selection include hardness (Shore A), viscosity and pot life, temperature range, the substrate, as well as product-specific certifications such as ISO 10993 or USP Class VI in accordance with the manufacturer's documentation.
Product range
Products & Brands
SILITECH's silicone range covers the entire spectrum of the material class: RTV-2 molding silicones for mold making and potting, RTV-1 sealants and adhesives, silicone oils and silicone greases, emulsions, primers, and silicone sprays. In addition to our own brand SILISIL, we carry Elkem silicones from the Bluesil, Silbione, and CAF series in our product range. Standard products are generally available for short-term delivery from our Gümligen warehouse; technical data sheets and safety data sheets are available to support your decision-making.
Knowledge
Popular content
In-depth technical articles from the Knowledge Center: from the choice of system RTV-1 or RTV-2, through Shore hardness and viscosity, to biocompatible silicones.
Overview
All Articles in This World
Automatically updated, all relevant technical articles at a glance.
Addition-curing silicone does not harden: identifying inhibitors
Biocompatible Silicones: ISO 10993 and USP Class VI at a Glance | SILITECH
A Day Without Silicone
Elkem silicones: the complete range at a glance
RTV-1 vs. RTV-2 Silicones: The Complete Comparison | SILITECH
Choosing the right Shore hardness: From 0A to 90A explained | SILITECH
Bonding silicone to aluminum
Silicone mold for concrete: tear resistance, Shore hardness, and release agents
Silicone rubber: The complete guide to types, applications, and market developments 2026
Silicone Oil Guide: Viscosities, Applications, and Selection (0.65 to 1'000'000 cSt)
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 one-component and cures through air humidity from the outside in, ideal for sealing seams and bonding applications with limited layer thickness. RTV-2 is two-component, cures throughout regardless of air humidity, and allows precise, low-shrinkage molding and potting even in thick layers.
Which Shore hardness is the right one?
Soft types (Shore A 10 to 30) are highly extensible and facilitate demolding in undercuts; medium hardnesses (40 to 60) cover many molding and sealing tasks; hard types (70 to 90) are dimensionally stable and abrasion-resistant. Mechanical load, recovery behavior, and demoldability are decisive. In borderline cases, a molding test on the original part is recommended.
Contact
Material question still open?
Describe the application, substrate, and requirements to us. We will evaluate suitable silicones, technical data sheets, and possible alternatives.