High-Temp Fluorosilicone Elastomers

July 27, 2015

Ryan Gehm

Dow Corning unveiled a significant enhancement to its Silastic fluorosilicone rubber (FSR) portfolio at the SAE 2015 World Congress, developing a more heat-resistant FSR technology for applications in which temperatures exceed 220°C (428°F). With trends toward smaller engine compartments, increased exhaust gas recirculation, and decreased airflow, the high-end temperatures in underhood environments are driving the performance requirements for FSRs to extremes, the company notes. The materials can withstand long exposure to aggressive fluids, fuels, and oils, and conventional FSR grades perform reliably at temperatures reaching 200°C (392°F), making them suitable for turbocharger hoses, fuel systems, and transmission seals. Dow Corning engineers boosted the material’s performance by looking at polymer design, raw materials, additives, and processing. The company validated the performance improvements by subjecting its enhanced FSR technology to long-term heat aging, fluid exposure, and elevated mechanical and adhesion to HCR. The results proved reliable performance at temperatures above 220°C for extended periods of time. Dow Corning says it can now tailor new FSR solutions that target precise performance needs, including easier processing, thinner wall sections, lower weight, reduced systems cost, and more stable performance over a broader temperature range compared to conventional solutions. The company’s enhanced Silastic FSR compounds are available globally, and come as ready-to-use rubber crepe mixtures designed for traditional molding, calendering, and extrusion processes.