Silicone is renowned for its elasticity and durability, but it can exhibit compression set, which is the permanent deformation after removal of a compressive load. This property can significantly impact the performance of silicone products.

What is Silicone Compression Set?

Compression set is the measure of a material’s ability to return to its original shape after being compressed for a specific period. A high compression set indicates a material that retains its compressed shape, while a low compression set signifies good recovery.

Factors Affecting Silicone Compression Set

Several factors influence silicone’s compression set:

• Crosslinking density: Higher crosslinking density generally leads to lower compression set.
• Filler content: Fillers can impact compression set, with some improving it and others worsening it.
• Temperature: Elevated temperatures can increase compression set.
• Time under load: Prolonged compression can exacerbate compression set.

Overcoming Silicone Compression Set Challenges

• Material Selection: Choose silicone formulations with low inherent compression set.
• Filler Optimization: Select fillers that improve compression set without compromising other properties.
• Curing Process: Optimize curing conditions to achieve desired crosslinking density.
• Heat Aging Resistance: Incorporate additives to improve heat resistance and reduce compression set.
• Design Considerations: Design products to minimize stress and strain on the silicone component.

Incure: Your Compression Set Solution Partner

Incure Silicone offers a comprehensive approach to addressing compression set challenges:

• Custom Silicone Formulations: We develop silicone materials with tailored compression set properties to meet your specific requirements.
• Compression Set Testing: Our advanced laboratories conduct rigorous testing to evaluate compression set performance.
• Technical Expertise: Our team provides expert guidance on material selection, formulation, and processing.

By partnering with Incure, you can:

• Improve product durability and longevity.
• Enhance product performance and reliability.
• Reduce material costs and waste.

Best Practices for Minimizing Silicone Compression Set

• Specify required compression set values in material specifications.
• Conduct regular compression set testing during product development.
• Monitor and control processing conditions to optimize compression set.

By understanding the factors affecting silicone compression set and implementing effective strategies, you can produce silicone products with exceptional performance and durability.