Vacuum Blanket Silicone Sheeting & Uncured Compound
Reusable Vacuum Blanket Materials with High Heat Resistance Plus High Tear & Tensile Strength
Vacuum blanket silicone sheeting and uncured compound from ElastaPro applies uniform pressure and heat in vacuum bagging, composite repair, glass lamination, and thermoforming. These elastomeric materials are ideal for vacuum blanket manufacturing and repairs, and for vacuum bladders.
ElastaPro’s vacuum blanket silicone sheets are available in thicknesses from .010″ to .500″ and in widths up to 62″. Standard matte surface finish and fabric finish are available on one or both sides. These solid sheet materials have excellent knotty tear that slows tear propagation.
Uncured silicone compound is catalyzed and available with various catalyst options. Every batch of ElastaPro’s silicones are Made in USA under our ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100D quality system and shipped with a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Need Vacuum Blanket Silicone Sheet or Slit Rolls?
We supply continuous rolls, pre-cut sheets, and uncured compounds with low minimums and fast lead times.
Request a Quote (RFQ)Vacuum Blanket Silicone Sheets from ElastaPro
Vacuum blanket silicone sheeting from ElastaPro comes in two durometers: 45 and 55 (Shore A).
Understanding Vacuum Blanket Materials
Vacuum blanket silicone sheeting and uncured compound are both used during manufacturing.
Solid Silicone Sheeting
Solid silicone sheeting for vacuum blankets is a heavy-duty, high-elongation elastomeric material that’s engineered to serve as a reusable vacuum bag or blanket.
Unlike disposable nylon or polyethylene bagging films, this solid silicone material can withstand hundreds of thermal and mechanical cycles in autoclaves and ovens.
WIth high tensile strength and superior elasticity, a vacuum blanket silicone sheet stretches easily over intricate contours, sharp tool radii, and deep cavities without bridging or tearing.
Once a vacuum is pulled, the blanket applies uniform atmospheric pressure across the entire laminate surface. This forces out trapped air and excess resin to create high-density composite parts.
Uncured Silicone Compound
Uncured silicone compound is raw, unvulcanized silicone rubber that remains tacky, malleable, and highly adaptable prior to thermal curing. With vacuum blanket systems, it serves as a structural adhesive, edge-sealing medium, and repair paste.
When exposed to heat and pressure, uncured silicone compound can co-vulcanize directly onto cured silicone sheeting. That makes it indispensable for fabricating custom silicone vacuum blankets, such as joining multiple sheets together, attaching reinforcement borders, or installing vacuum ports.
Uncured silicone compound is also used for repairing tears, punctures, and edge wear on existing vacuum blankets.
Applications for Vacuum Blanket Silicones
Vacuum blanket silicone sheeting and uncured silicone compound is used in these applications.
- Reusable Vacuum Bag Fabrication: Technicians use uncured silicone compound as a liquid seam sealant or bonding paste to join sheets of silicone membrane together. The result is a customized, reusable vacuum blanket that’s designed to fit specific a tool geometry.
- Aerospace and Wind Energy Composite Curing: Large components such as aircraft fairings, helicopter rotor blades, and wind turbine spars require consistent high-temperature consolidation. Silicone vacuum blankets distribute heat and pressure evenly across thick laminates and prevent localized resin pooling and voids.
- On-Site Blanket Repairs: Instead of discarding silicone vacuum blankets because of minor pinholes or tears, operators can use uncured silicone compound to patch and restore the membrane. These on-site repairs lowers operational costs and material waste.
- Complex Tool Sealing and Gasketing: Uncured silicone compound can be extruded or hand-molded into custom flange channels. It’s cured in place to form robust, reusable seals for autoclaves, presses, and vacuum tables.
Vacuum Blanket Silicone FAQs
How does uncured silicone compound bond to a cured vacuum blanket sheet?
Uncured silicone compound contains active cross-linking sites that, when subjected to heat and pressure, react and cross-link with the surface of the cured silicone sheet. This process is known as co-vulcanization and creates a permanent, monolithic molecular bond rather than a simple surface adhesion.
What is the best way to prepare a silicone vacuum blanket for repair using uncured compound?
First, clean the damaged area thoroughly with an approved solvent (such as isopropyl alcohol) to remove any residual mold release, resin, or contaminants. Lightly abrading the surface with a fine abrasive pad can also enhance adhesion before applying the uncured compound and heat.
What temperature and pressure are typically required to cure uncured silicone compound?
Curing parameters vary by specific formulation, but most uncured silicone compounds require temperatures between 248°F (120°C) and 347°F (175°C) coupled with positive pressure via a press, vacuum, or autoclave for a designated dwell time to achieve complete vulcanization.