Q & A: Platinum Cured Silicone Rubber (120 comments)
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2025-03-01
Jacqueline
How does platinum silicone turn from a liquid to a solid?
The process is a chemical reaction called "addition cure." When Part A (containing vinyl groups) and Part B (containing a hydrosilane cross-linker and platinum catalyst) are mixed, the catalyst promotes a reaction that links the polymer chains together, forming a stable, cross-linked 3D network. This reaction releases no byproducts, resulting in a dimensionally stable cured rubber.
The process is a chemical reaction called "addition cure." When Part A (containing vinyl groups) and Part B (containing a hydrosilane cross-linker and platinum catalyst) are mixed, the catalyst promotes a reaction that links the polymer chains together, forming a stable, cross-linked 3D network. This reaction releases no byproducts, resulting in a dimensionally stable cured rubber.
2025-02-28
Dominic
What does "RTV-2" mean?
"RTV" stands for "Room Temperature Vulcanizing," meaning the material cures from a liquid to a solid rubber at ambient temperature. The "2" indicates it is a "Two-Component" system, consisting of a Part A (base) and a Part B (catalyst/curing agent) that must be mixed in a specific ratio before use.
"RTV" stands for "Room Temperature Vulcanizing," meaning the material cures from a liquid to a solid rubber at ambient temperature. The "2" indicates it is a "Two-Component" system, consisting of a Part A (base) and a Part B (catalyst/curing agent) that must be mixed in a specific ratio before use.
2025-02-27
Pierce
Why is platinum silicone more expensive than tin cure silicone?
The higher cost is due to two main factors: the use of platinum, a precious metal, as the catalyst , and the need for purer raw materials and manufacturing processes to achieve its high performance and safety standards. While the initial cost is higher, its long mold life and durability can make it more cost-effective for long-term or high-volume production.
The higher cost is due to two main factors: the use of platinum, a precious metal, as the catalyst , and the need for purer raw materials and manufacturing processes to achieve its high performance and safety standards. While the initial cost is higher, its long mold life and durability can make it more cost-effective for long-term or high-volume production.
2025-02-27
Joanna
What are the main advantages of platinum silicone over other types?
Platinum silicone's primary advantages include: 1.Extremely Low Shrinkage: With no byproducts, its volumetric shrinkage is typically less than 0.1%, ensuring dimensional accuracy. 2.Long Library Life: Cured molds are highly stable and can last for decades (even over 45 years) without becoming brittle or degrading. 3.Superior Physical Properties: It generally has higher tear strength, tensile strength, and elongation, making molds more durable for repeated use. 4.High Purity & Safety: The clean curing process allows certain grades to be certified food-safe (FDA compliant) and skin-safe, suitable for culinary molds, prosthetics, and special effects makeup. 5.Excellent Detail Reproduction: Its low viscosity allows it to capture the finest surface textures perfectly. 6.Heat-Accelerable Cure: Raising the temperature can significantly shorten cure times, boosting production efficiency.
Platinum silicone's primary advantages include: 1.Extremely Low Shrinkage: With no byproducts, its volumetric shrinkage is typically less than 0.1%, ensuring dimensional accuracy. 2.Long Library Life: Cured molds are highly stable and can last for decades (even over 45 years) without becoming brittle or degrading. 3.Superior Physical Properties: It generally has higher tear strength, tensile strength, and elongation, making molds more durable for repeated use. 4.High Purity & Safety: The clean curing process allows certain grades to be certified food-safe (FDA compliant) and skin-safe, suitable for culinary molds, prosthetics, and special effects makeup. 5.Excellent Detail Reproduction: Its low viscosity allows it to capture the finest surface textures perfectly. 6.Heat-Accelerable Cure: Raising the temperature can significantly shorten cure times, boosting production efficiency.
2025-02-26
Rafael
What's the difference between "platinum cure" and "addition cure"?
There is no difference; the terms are used interchangeably. "Addition cure" describes the chemical mechanism—a reaction between a vinyl-functional polymer and a hydrosilane cross-linker. "Platinum cure" specifies the platinum complex that catalyzes this reaction. Both refer to the same high-purity, high-performance silicone material.
There is no difference; the terms are used interchangeably. "Addition cure" describes the chemical mechanism—a reaction between a vinyl-functional polymer and a hydrosilane cross-linker. "Platinum cure" specifies the platinum complex that catalyzes this reaction. Both refer to the same high-purity, high-performance silicone material.
2025-02-25
Alejandro
Can I pour platinum cure silicone into another silicone mold?
Platinum liquid silicone can only be poured into a mold made of platinum silicone material, not into a mold made of tin-cured silicone, otherwise it will not cure. Also apply a suitable release agent to avoid separation difficulties.
Platinum liquid silicone can only be poured into a mold made of platinum silicone material, not into a mold made of tin-cured silicone, otherwise it will not cure. Also apply a suitable release agent to avoid separation difficulties.