Silicones.
From permanently elastic seals to biocompatible implant-grade silicone: Silicones combine temperature resistance, elasticity, and electrical insulation like almost no other class of materials.
Basics
Silicones (polysiloxanes) are based on an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone with organic side groups. This gives them their characteristic combination of temperature resistance (typically −50 to +200 °C), UV and weather resistance, electrical insulation, and permanent elasticity. The main distinction is based on the curing mechanism: RTV-1 is a one-component system that cures via exposure to moisture and is suitable for seals and adhesives; RTV-2 is a two-component system that crosslinks either via addition curing (platinum-catalyzed, low shrinkage, suitable for medical and food applications) or via condensation curing (tin-catalyzed, robust against critical substrates). Key factors for selection include hardness (Shore A), viscosity, pot life, temperature range, approvals (e.g., ISO 10993, USP Class VI), and the substrate.
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RTV-1 vs. RTV-2 Silicones: The Complete Comparison
Read the article →Choosing the right Shore hardness: Explained from 0A to 90A
Read the article →Silicone Oil Guide: Viscosities, Applications, and Selection
Read the article →Biocompatible silicones: ISO 10993 and USP Class VI
Read the article →For which industry?
Silicones are used in these industries, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RTV-1 and RTV-2?
RTV-1 is a one-component compound that cures from the outside in due to atmospheric humidity—ideal for sealing seams and bonding applications with limited layer thickness. RTV-2 is a two-component compound that cures uniformly regardless of atmospheric humidity and allows for precise, low-shrinkage molding and potting, even in thick layers.
What is the right Shore hardness?
Soft grades (Shore A 10–30) are flexible and provide a good seal; medium grades (40–60) are good all-rounders; and hard grades (70–90) are dimensionally stable and resistant to abrasion. The key factors are mechanical stress, resilience, and demolding properties.
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