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In an ever-changing industrial world, the materials used must meet increasingly stringent requirements. Thanks to its exceptional properties, silicone has established itself as one of the most innovative and high-performance materials available on the market. BORFLEX, a leading manufacturer of rubber and composite components, offers high-quality silicone compounds. This article explores our customers’ specific requirements and demonstrates how BORFLEX meets them through its expertise in silicone compounding.
1. What are your needs?
Resistance to Extreme Temperatures
You are looking for materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, ranging from -60°C to +300°C, or even up to 350°C at peak. This is crucial for applications in very hot or very cold environments within the industrial equipment sector. For example, seals for electronic components must withstand significant temperature fluctuations without deteriorating.
UV and Chemical Resistance
Resistance to UV light and aggressive chemicals is another key requirement. Materials used outdoors or in corrosive industrial environments must retain their mechanical properties despite prolonged exposure. This is particularly important for solar panel coatings, seals for chemical processing equipment, and components for the petrochemical industry.
Customisation and Innovation
Your specific requirements call for bespoke solutions. Our expertise in formulation and our commitment to innovation enable us to supply customised silicone blends. A wide range of colours, including photoluminescent silicone for safety signage and thermochromic silicone for industrial design applications, meet highly specific requirements.
Compliance with Standards and Regulations
Compliance with standards and regulations is essential, particularly in the food and electronics industries. Silicone compounds must meet strict standards, such as those set by the FDA and UL94 V0, to ensure the safety and performance of the finished products.
Safety and Security
Protection against fire and other hazards is a major concern. Materials must be fire-resistant to ensure the safety of users and facilities. For example, seals for safety equipment and components for fire protection systems must meet high safety standards.
2. The specific characteristics of BORFLEX® silicone compounds
BORFLEX® has been specialising in rubber and silicone compounds for over 65 years and is able to offer high-quality silicone compounds. The technical characteristics of BORFLEX® silicone compounds include:
– Resistance to Extreme Temperatures: BORFLEX silicone compounds can withstand temperatures ranging from -80°C to +300°C, and even up to 350°C for short periods, ensuring optimum performance in extreme environments.
– UV and Chemical Resistance: BORFLEX silicone compounds offer exceptional resistance to UV light and chemicals, ensuring consistent durability and performance in harsh conditions.
– Versatility: BORFLEX silicone compounds are suitable for a wide range of applications across demanding markets and industries, offering unrivalled versatility.
– Customisation and Innovation: Drawing on its expertise in formulation, BORFLEX® offers bespoke silicone compounds tailored to each customer’s specific requirements.
– Compliance with Standards and Regulations: BORFLEX® silicone compounds comply with FDA and UL94 V0* standards, ensuring the safety and performance of the finished products.
– Safety and Protection: BORFLEX® FLAMESTOP® silicone compounds offer fire resistance, ensuring the safety of users and facilities.
– Aesthetics and Functionality: BORFLEX® offers a wide range of colours (based on the RAL colour chart or samples), including photoluminescent and thermochromic options, to meet customers’ aesthetic and functional requirements.
*White UL94 V0 silicone is a type of silicone specially formulated to offer exceptional fire resistance. The UL94 V0 classification is a safety standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which assesses the flammability resistance of plastic materials. A material classified as UL94 V0 means that it self-extinguishes within 10 seconds after the ignition source is removed and does not produce flaming droplets. This type of silicone is often used in applications where fire safety is crucial, such as in electronic components, medical equipment and safety devices.
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, BORFLEX® silicone compounds meet a wide range of specific requirements, from resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals, to compliance with standards and regulations, as well as customisation and innovation. These characteristics make BORFLEX® silicone the material of choice for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, offering performance, safety and aesthetic appeal.
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