silicone rubber
Definition
Noun: A synthetic rubber-like material made from silicone elastomers. It is characterized by its ability to retain flexibility, resilience, and tensile strength across a very wide range of temperatures, from extreme cold to high heat.
Usage
This term refers specifically to the material itself. It is typically used in technical, industrial, and manufacturing contexts. * Silicone rubber is often chosen for gaskets and seals in engines because it won't crack in the cold or melt under the hood. * Many kitchen utensils, like spatulas, are made from silicone rubber due to its heat resistance. * The flexibility of silicone rubber makes it ideal for producing medical implants and tubing.
Advanced Usage
- As a compound modifier: The term frequently acts as an adjective to specify the type of rubber used in a product.
- silicone rubber seals, silicone rubber hose, silicone rubber keyboard covers
Variants and Related Words
- Silicone elastomer: A more technical term for the polymer family from which silicone rubber is made. The terms are often used interchangeably, though "elastomer" emphasizes the chemical class.
- Polysiloxane: The scientific name for the silicone polymer chain.
Synonyms
- Silicone elastomer (technical synonym)
- Polysiloxane rubber (scientific synonym)
Antonyms
- Natural rubber (latex-based, with different thermal properties)
- Organic rubber (e.g., nitrile, neoprene - carbon-based synthetic rubbers)
Related Phrases / Collocations
- High-temperature silicone rubber: A grade formulated for sustained performance at very high temperatures.
- Liquid silicone rubber (LSR): A low-viscosity form used in injection molding for complex parts.
- Room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber: A type that cures at room temperature, commonly used for sealants and molds.
- Silicone rubber compound: The mixed formulation of silicone polymer and additives before it is cured into its final shape.
Noun
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made from silicone elastomers; retains flexibility resilience and tensile strength over a wide temperature range
