What is Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
Liquid Silicone Rubber(LSR) is a synthetic elastomer made up of silicone polymers with various additives to enhance its performance. The material’s unique trait enables precise molding and easy application in a myriad of industries.
LSR is a two-component system composed of long polysiloxane chains reinforced with specifically treated silica. Component A includes a platinum catalyst, whereas Component B includes methylhydrogensiloxane as a cross-linker and alcohol inhibitor. The “flowable” or “liquid” aspect of LSR materials is the major distinction between it and high consistency rubber (HCR). While HCR can employ either a peroxide or a platinum curing technique, LSR exclusively uses additive platinum curing. Because of the thermosetting nature of the material, liquid silicone rubber injection molding necessitates particular treatment, such as extensive distributive mixing while the material is kept at a low temperature before being forced into the heated cavity and vulcanized.
LSR is a flexible and revolutionary substance that, because to its remarkable qualities and simplicity of use, has revolutionized a variety of sectors. LSR, which was developed as a derivation of classic solid silicone rubber, has a number of characteristics that make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. In this post, we will look at the fundamental qualities of liquid silicone rubber, how to made, and the various uses that benefit from its special capabilities.
Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber
Temperature Resistance: LSR exhibits excellent thermal stability over a broad temperature range, making it suitable for applications in both extreme cold and hot environments. It can withstand temperatures from as low as -50°C to as high as 250°C without losing its flexibility and mechanical properties.
Chemical Resistance: LSR is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, oils, and solvents. This property ensures that Liquid Silicone Rubber retains its integrity when exposed to aggressive substances, making it an ideal choice for chemically demanding applications.
Biocompatibility: LSR is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for medical and healthcare applications, such as medical devices, prosthetics, and baby products. It complies with various regulatory standards for biocompatibility, ensuring safe usage within the human body.
Electrical Insulation: LSR possesses excellent electrical insulation properties, making it valuable for electrical and electronic components and insulating materials used in a variety of industries.
Tear and Tensile Strength: Despite its soft and flexible nature, Liquid Silicone Rubber offers impressive tear and tensile strength, ensuring durability and longevity in demanding applications.
Segmentation in the Liquid Silicone Rubber Industry
The Liquid Silicone Rubber industry can be segmented based on different criteria. One of the significant categories is by Grade Type, which includes Food Grade, Industrial Grade, and Medical Grade. The Medical Grade segment dominates this category, holding about 60% of the market share. This prominence is due to the rigorous demands from the medical, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. These industries often require components that adhere to strict tolerances and meet high standards of safety and hygiene. Given its characteristics like chemical inertness and biocompatibility, LSR proves to be an ideal choice for numerous medical instruments and healthcare devices.
Manufacturing Process of Liquid Silicone Rubber
The production of LSR components primarily involves two processes: injection molding and compression molding.
Liquid Injection Molding: Most commonly used for high-volume production of Liquid Silicone Rubber components. Material is injected into a mold cavity under high pressure. Once injected, it cures within the mold, taking the desired shape of the part. Liquid injection molding offers high precision and fast cycle times, making it ideal for mass production.
Compression Molding: For low to medium volume production or for parts that have complex geometries. We pre-heated the LSR material and place in an open mold cavity. Then close, and pressure is applied to distribute the material evenly. The LSR cures in the mold, taking the desired shape of the part.
The former, Liquid Injection Molding System, is expected to command a market share of approximately 61% in the projected period. This technique, owing to its capacity to produce superior quality and durable products, has become a preferred choice among rubber component manufacturers. The efficiency, reliability, and high automation levels of this method enable continuous manufacturing. Several industries, spanning from automotive to textiles, are capitalizing on the benefits of the liquid injection molding technique, leading to expansive market growth.
Applications of Liquid Silicone Rubber
Medical and Healthcare: In the medical industry for manufacturing medical devices, such as catheters, seals, gaskets, and surgical instruments. Its biocompatibility and sterilization resistance make it a safe and reliable material for medical applications.
Automotive: In automotive applications, including gaskets, seals, and spark plug boots, due to its exceptional temperature and chemical resistance. It also finds use in automotive lighting as a lens material for its clarity and UV resistance.
Electronics: In the electronics industry for manufacturing keypads, gaskets, connectors, and insulating materials. Its electrical insulation properties and resistance to environmental factors make it an excellent choice for electronic components.
Consumer Goods: In various consumer goods, such as kitchenware, baby products, and personal care items, owing to its non-toxic nature and flexibility.
Industrial Equipment: In industrial equipment for producing seals, gaskets, and O-rings, as it provides reliable performance in harsh working conditions.
Advantages of Liquid Silicone Rubber
Design Freedom: LSR’s liquid form allows for intricate molding of complex shapes and designs, providing greater design freedom compared to traditional materials.
Reduced Waste: The production process of LSR generates minimal waste, contributing to cost savings and environmental benefits.
Fast Curing: LSRcures relatively quickly, leading to faster production cycles and increased efficiency.
Durability: LSR’s exceptional tear and tensile strength ensure the longevity of the end products.
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Industry: Key Market Developments
The healthcare and medical device sectors are pivotal contributors to the growth of the liquid silicone rubber market. Thanks to its inherent characteristics like purity, resilience against chemicals, malleability, and easy sterilization, LSR has been steadily becoming the go-to material in this industry. The unique attributes of LSR render it more advantageous compared to traditional rubber materials, especially in the production of various medical devices and equipment.
Data from AstraZeneca reveals that by 2024, pharmaceutical sales in North America are projected to reach a staggering USD 633 billion, with the European Union (minus the UK) at USD 287 billion, and Southeast and East Asia around USD 232 billion. Enhanced R&D, coupled with an aging demographic in the U.S., has steered the nation’s pharmaceutical growth. The elderly (65 years and above) make up over 15% of the population, a percentage set to rise by 2023.
Germany, in Europe, is the torchbearer of the healthcare domain with anticipated health expenditures surpassing EUR 375 billion (equivalent to USD 395.18 billion). In 2022, major healthcare construction ventures, namely Gainesville Hospital Extension, West Henderson Hospital, Cedar Hill Hospital, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith Extension, and Mankato Mayo Clinic Health System Extension, kickstarted in North America. These infrastructural expansions signify a potential surge in medical equipment and treatment needs, eventually leading to augmented LSR demand.
An Insight into the Asia-Pacific Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Landscape
The Asia-Pacific belt is poised to witness an exponential growth curve in the liquid silicone rubber segment. The thrust for this growth can be attributed to consumption behemoths such as China and India. Factors like a burgeoning populace, increased chronic ailment incidence, and tech advancements bolster the health and medical device industries in this locale, further propelling LSR’s demand.
China’s pharmaceutical arena is globally renowned, boasting an array of therapeutic drugs, essential pharmaceutical components, and indigenous Chinese medication. Forecasts peg the industry’s growth at USD 161.8 billion by 2023, claiming a 30% global market share. AstraZeneca’s annual survey posits India as the pharmaceutical growth leader until 2025, holding 10.9%.
Governmental endeavors, like the “Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Medical Devices 2020”, and the inception of medical parks have amplified this demand. For instance, in August 2022, the “Promotion of Medical Device Parks” initiative was greenlit, with a fiscal pledge of INR 400 crore (USD 48.97 million). Baby care is another sector where LSR is indispensable, particularly in items like bottle nipples and pacifiers. Chinese governmental agendas, like the 2021-2025 child health improvement plan by the National Health Commission, have buoyed baby product sales.
Furthermore, LSR finds extensive application in the electronics sphere. Electronic product demand stems chiefly from nations like China, India, and Japan. Data from the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) suggests that by 2023, production by Japanese IT firms in the Asia-Pacific is set to touch JPY 40,759.9 billion (approx. USD 312.15 billion), marking a 3% YoY growth.
Given these factors, Asia-Pacific undoubtedly emerges as a dominant player in the LSR market in the foreseeable future.
The Round Up
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) has established itself as an indispensable material in various industries. Thanks to its remarkable properties, ease of manufacturing, and diverse applications. It withstands extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and biocompatibility. This makes it a preferred choice in medical, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods sectors. As technology continues to advance, LSR will undoubtedly evolve, finding new and innovative applications in emerging industries.
About Jiaze Silicone Tech
Jiaze Silicone Tech has been a pioneer in the Liquid Silicone Rubber industry for over 15 years. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has placed us at the forefront of LSR solutions. Whether you’re looking for state-of-the-art LSR products or seeking expertise in LSR applications, jiaze Silicone Tech is here to assist you.
