High Strength Silicone Sheeting & Uncured Compounds
High Strength Silicone That Meets A-A-59588 3B
High-strength silicone sheets from ElastaPro are engineered for demanding applications that require significantly higher tensile strength, tear resistance, and compression-set performance than general-purpose grades.
Formulated with ingredients compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for food contact, these premium-grade materials meet A-A-59588 Class 3B military standards and provide continuous thermal stability from −80°F to +450°F (−62°C to +232°C).
Every batch is Made in USA under our ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100D quality system and shipped with a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Need High Strength 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)Products and Key Technical Specifications
ElastaPro offers high strength silicone sheeting in a range of durometers.
| Product | Durometer (Shore A) | Tensile Strength (PSI) | Tear Resistance (PPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESS30HS | 30 ± 5 | 1200 | 170 |
| ESS40HS | 40 ± 5 | 1250 | 180 |
| ESS50HS | 50 ± 5 | 1300 | 200 |
| ESS60HS | 60 ± 5 | 1350 | 210 |
| ESS70HS | 70 ± 5 | 1300 | 190 |
| ESS80HS | 80 ± 5 | 1250 | 170 |
Standard Sheet Sizes and Roll Dimensions
This solid silicone sheeting is available in various sizes, including some of the widest widths in the industry.
| Measurement | Type | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Standard | 36" | 914 mm |
| Width | Standard | 48" | 1219 mm |
| Width | Custom | Up to 67" | Up to 1701.8 mm |
| Thickness | Range | 0.020" to 0.375" | 0.508 mm to 9.525 mm |
| Cut Sheet | Standard | 12″ × 12" | 30.48 cm x 30.48 cm |
| Cut Sheet | Standard | 24″ × 24″ | 60.96 cm x 60.96 cm |
| Cut Sheet | Standard | 36″ × 36″ | 91.44 cm x 91.44 cm |
| Cut Sheet | Standard | 48" x 48" | 121.92 cm x 121.92 cm |
| Cut Sheet | Custom | — | — |
| Linear Length | Continuous | Up to 300" ft | Up to 91.44 m |
High Strength vs. General Purpose Silicone
Compare this material to general purpose silicone during product selection.
Tear Propagation: General-purpose silicone can tear easily once notched under stress. High-strength formulations (incorporating treated fumed silica reinforcement) resist nick propagation and withstand rapid dynamic flexing.
Flex Fatigue Resistance: Ideal for diaphragms, bellows, and dynamic seals that undergo millions of actuation cycles without physical degradation.
Tensile Thresholds: Delivers 1,200 to 1,350+ PSI tensile strength compared to standard commercial grades (typically 600–800 PSI).
High‑Strength Silicone FAQs
What is high-strength silicone, and how does it differ from standard silicone rubber?
High-strength silicone is an advanced, high-consistency rubber (HCR) or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) formulation engineered for superior mechanical durability.
By incorporating treated fumed silica reinforcement (20–40 phr) and optimized platinum or peroxide crosslinking, high-strength silicones achieve tensile strengths between 10–14 MPa (compared to 4–7 MPa for general-purpose grades) and tear strengths between 30–55 kN/m, effectively doubling the tear resistance of standard silicone.
What are its mechanical properties and tear strength values?
High-strength silicone is engineered to withstand extreme physical stress, cut propagation, and dynamic deformation. Key mechanical performance benchmarks include:
Tensile Strength (ASTM D412): 10–14 MPa
Tear Strength (ASTM D624): 30–55 kN/m
Elongation at Break: 400% to 700%
Hardness Range: Available from 30 to 80 Shore A
Compression Set (ASTM D395): Below 20% after 22 hours at 175°C (347°F)
What is its continuous temperature operating range?
Driven by the flexible siloxane backbone (–Si–O–Si–), high-strength silicone maintains mechanical resilience across a broad temperature range from −60°C to +230°C (−76°F to +446°F) continuous, with short-term thermal excursions up to 250°C–300°C.
It also features an ultra-low glass transition temperature ($T_g \approx -127^\circ\text{C}$), ensuring the material remains flexible in frigid conditions without cracking.
What chemical media, fluids, and environmental factors does it resist?
High-strength silicone exhibits high chemical inertness and environmental stability against:
UV, Ozone, and Weathering: Complete resistance to atmospheric degradation and solar oxidation.
Aqueous Solutions & Fluids: Excellent resistance to water, neutral pH solutions, brake fluids, coolants, and transmission fluids.
Mild Acids & Bases: Maintains integrity against low-concentration chemicals.
Note on Hydrocarbons: Silicone swells when exposed to non-polar hydrocarbons (gasoline, toluene, xylene). For continuous fuel immersion, fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is recommended.
What are its dielectric and electrical insulation properties?
High-strength silicone retains exceptional dielectric properties across fluctuating temperatures and frequencies, making it ideal for electrical enclosures and aerospace connectors:
Dielectric Strength: ~20–25 kV/mm
Dielectric Constant ($\varepsilon_r$): ~2.7–3.2 at 1 MHz
Dissipation Factor ($\tan \delta$): <0.003 at 1 MHz
What industries and applications require high-strength silicone elastomers?
Because of its unique combination of high tear resistance, thermal endurance, and low compression set, high-strength silicone is specified for high-stress applications, including:
Aerospace & Defense: Vibration dampers, high-tear door/hatch seals, O-rings, and connector gaskets.
Automotive: Turbocharger hoses, engine compartment gaskets, and structural isolators under high thermal cycling.
Medical Devices: Precision medical tubing, catheters, and biocompatible seals (ISO 10993 compliant).
Electronics & Energy: High-voltage insulation, outdoor power distribution seals, and encapsulants.
What processing methods and manufacturing options are used?
High-strength silicone is processed using High Consistency Rubber (HCR) for calendar-cured solid sheeting, extruded profiles, and compression-molded parts, or Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) for rapid two-part injection molding. Post-curing is frequently performed to remove volatile byproducts, stabilize crosslinking, and achieve optimal mechanical properties.
What ASTM and industry standards govern high-strength silicone testing?
ASTM D412 (Tensile Properties) & ASTM D624 (Tear Strength)
ASTM D395 (Compression Set) & ASTM D471 (Fluid Resistance)
A-A-59588 Class 3B (Military Specification for High Tear Strength Silicone)
FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 (Rubber Articles Intended for Repeated Food Contact)
UL 94 (Flammability Ratings) & ISO 10993 (Biocompatibility)