What is Silicone Compound Used For?

Silicone compounds are used for a variety of applications, most notably mouldings, extrusions and calendering . For these situations, there are many types of silicone compound available, some fully catalysed/pigmented and others purposely blended for a specific job.

To convert the compound from a gel into a solid form, it needs to be cured, either by the platinum, peroxide or condensation systems. After curing, the compounds can be used for food applications, making them popular with the food and vending industries.

Hardness and Colour

Most applications will require shore hardness’s from 40 to 80. However, it is possible to purchase compounds with hardnesses of 10, 20, 30 and 90. It should be noted that these hardness’s are often more expensive.

For various reasons from safety to aesthetic, silicone compounds can be purchased in a number of colours. For example, TYM’s current standard colours are Yellow, Blue, Red Oxide, White, Green, Black and Transparent. We can also often colour match to meet customers specific requirements.  

Specialist Compounds

Silicone compounds can be made for specific needs. For example, where silicone tubing or seals are exposed to intense heat, high temperature grades of silicone compound can be used.

Metal detectable compounds are often used in the food industry and have metal particles suspended in the silicone. Therefore, when a seal on the production line degrades, it can be detected quickly by metal detecting sensors. This can save the companies thousands of pounds in stoppages and product returns.

Silicone compounds with a high tear strength are also available. These are particularly useful where seals and tubing are fitted to moving parts. They provide durability and do not need to be replaced as often as others.