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High Strength Silicone

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).

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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.

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High Strength Silicone Sheets (30 to 80 Durometer)

  • ESS30HS – 30-Durometer
  • ESS40HS – 40 Durometer
  • ESS50HS – 50 Durometer
  • ESS60HS – 60-Durometer
  • ESS70HS – 70 Durometer
  • ESS80HS – 80-Durometer

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 the mechanical properties and tear strength values of high-strength silicone?

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 the continuous temperature operating range for high-strength silicone?

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 high-strength silicone 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 the dielectric and electrical insulation properties of high-strength silicone?

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 for high-strength silicone?

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?

High-strength silicone formulations are evaluated against rigorous industry standards, including:

  • 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)