Introduction:
Silicones are widely used in various industries, from automotive, medical, electronics to household products, etc. They possess excellent properties such as low toxicity, high resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals, great flexibility, and high durability.
There are various types of silicone, however, in this article, we''re going to compare two popular silicone types, RTV and LSR.
RTV Silicone:
RTV silicone stands for "room temperature vulcanizing silicone." As the name suggests, this type of silicone is cured at room temperature. It comes in two types, condensation cure and addition cure.
**Condensation cure RTV silicone is a two-part system that cross-links when the two parts are mixed. This type of RTV silicone is more affordable and easier to handle. It can be molded into different shapes and sizes, making it a suitable option for casting and mold making. However, it has a shorter shelf life and lower dimensional stability than addition cure RTV.
**Addition cure RTV silicone is also a two-part system but cross-links through a platinum catalyst. This type of RTV silicone has better dimensional stability, higher tensile strength, and longer shelf life than condensation cure. However, it''s more expensive and tends to shrink during curing.
Both types of RTV silicone can be used for automotive gaskets, molds, home repairs, and outdoor applications.
LSR Silicone:
LSR stands for liquid silicone rubber. Unlike RTV silicone, LSR silicone is cured using heat and pressure. It''s a two-part system made of base silicone and a curing agent.
**LSR silicone has excellent properties such as high-temperature resistance, high dielectric strength, and low compression set. It''s widely used in the medical industry due to its biocompatibility and hypoallergenic properties. LSR silicone is also used in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries.
**LSR silicone can be molded into various shapes and sizes with high precision, making it ideal for complex parts. It also has a lower viscosity than RTV silicone, allowing for faster curing times.
Differences:
1. Curing process:
The main difference between RTV and LSR silicone is the curing process. RTV silicone cures at room temperature by the crosslinking of the components, while LSR silicone cures by heat and pressure.
2. Properties:
RTV silicone and LSR silicone have different properties. RTV silicone is more affordable and easier to handle than LSR silicone. It''s suitable for casting and mold making applications. LSR silicone has excellent temperature and chemical resistance, making it ideal for the medical and electronic industries.
3. Precision:
LSR silicone can be molded with higher precision than RTV silicone. Its low viscosity allows for faster curing times, making it ideal for complex parts.
4. Shelf Life:
Addition cure RTV silicone has a longer shelf life than condensation cure RTV silicone. LSR silicone has the longest shelf life of all, making it ideal for large-scale production.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both RTV and LSR silicone have their unique properties and applications. RTV silicone is versatile and affordable, making it suitable for home repairs, mold making, and automotive applications. LSR silicone, on the other hand, is expensive but has excellent properties such as high-temperature resistance, biocompatibility, and low compression set. It''s ideal for the medical and electronic industries due to its precision and excellent properties.