Despite extreme temperatures as low as –100ºF, most GE silicone elastomers retain durometer and modulus. They also perform reliably for prolonged periods at –75ºF. Special grades have brittle points below –150ºF and remain serviceable at temperatures as low as –130ºF.

Compared to other elastomers, our silicone elastomers offer incomparable resistance to compression set deformation, even at temperatures as low as –120ºF or as high as 500ºF.

Silicone elastomers provide unequalled electrical properties over a wide range of temperatures. They rival mica in terms of resistance to high-voltage ionization and corona. Plus, they show far less dielectric fatigue than TFE resins or organic elastomers.

Silicone polymers yield low levels of smoke under normal service or fire conditions. In the table below, D_m represents Maximum Specific Optical Density, or maximum total smoke accumulation over a 20-minute test period. T_C is the time required to reach a Specific Optical Density of 16, which corresponds to a light transmittance of 16% over the viewing distance. This is considered the minimum value for visibility and safety.

Room temperature, GE silicone elastomers outperform TFE resin and conventional fluoroelastomers on exposure to 10/8 roentgens. Special compounds provide even greater radiation resistance.

Radiation Resistance-Silicone Rubber

Silicone elastomers, including fluorosilicones, provide excellent resistance to both ozone and corona. On the other hand, while fluorocarbon materials offer good heat and ozone resistance, they degrade rapidly when exposed to corona.