New Ultrasoft Silicone Boosts Industrial and Household Applications

Imagine a material that can withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining exceptional flexibility—whether in harsh industrial environments or in the pursuit of comfortable home living. The answer may lie in soft silicone. But which type of silicone is the softest, and how does it perform across various applications?

Among the flexible materials widely used in industrial and consumer applications, silicone sheets with a hardness of 40A are considered one of the softest options available. Silicone, as an elastic material, outperforms traditional materials like natural rubber, particularly in environments demanding high material performance. The hardness of silicone sheets (measured on the Shore A scale) comes in multiple grades, with 40A standing out for its exceptional softness and bendability. Additionally, the thickness of the silicone sheet plays a crucial role in its flexibility and pliability. Currently, there are seven common thickness specifications for 40A soft silicone sheets on the market.

Due to its soft and easily bendable nature, 40A soft silicone rubber is often used in high-compression applications. This means it excels in scenarios where materials must endure continuous pressure while maintaining performance. For instance, in sealing devices or cushioning components, 40A silicone delivers reliable functionality.

• Shore A hardness of 50, widely applicable
• Resistant to UV rays and ozone
• Moderate chemical resistance
• Customizable for seals and gaskets
• Available in rolls of 25 or 50 feet, depending on thickness
• Multiple thickness options available

Premium silicone sheets must endure harsh temperature conditions. This red silicone material can operate at temperatures up to 450°F and as low as -103°F.

Rubber sheet hardness ratings help determine an elastomer's resistance to physical indentation and durability. Higher ratings indicate greater resistance to physical impact, while lower ratings signify more flexibility. A silicone with a 50 Shore hardness rating is relatively soft and flexible, making it suitable for commercial applications where physical durability is not critical.

Silicone is generally softer than rubber but has lower tensile strength. However, in extreme high or low temperatures and other harsh environmental conditions, soft silicone often outperforms rubber in longevity. While soft silicone typically has lower tensile and abrasion resistance compared to rubber, it maintains better performance under extreme conditions. For example, in subzero temperatures as low as -103°F, soft silicone remains flexible without becoming brittle—a phenomenon known as "embrittlement," which often causes rubber to crack or fail. Conversely, at temperatures up to +500°F, soft silicone won’t melt or burn, unlike rubber. Although soft silicone has lower tensile strength, it retains elasticity in far harsher environments.

40A flexible silicone sheets are generally considered the softest due to their low Shore hardness rating. Silicone hardness grades typically range from 40A to 70A, with higher numbers indicating increased rigidity. Hardness is a standardized method for measuring the firmness of elastomers and plastics. As the hardness grade increases, the material becomes stiffer and less bendable. Thus, a 40A silicone sheet is significantly softer than a 70A sheet. The flexibility of silicone sheets is also influenced by thickness. 40A soft silicone sheets come in various thicknesses, including 1/32", 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 3/8". Thickness and hardness are the two primary factors determining a silicone sheet’s flexibility and compressibility. Due to its softness and thinner profiles, 40A silicone is often used in compression applications.

While both silicone and rubber are elastomers, they are not the same. Silicone is classified as an inorganic polymer, whereas rubber is an organic polymer. The key difference lies in their polymer backbone structures: organic polymers have carbon-carbon bonds, whereas silicone, as an inorganic polymer, has silicon-oxygen bonds. The flexibility of silicone arises from its unique molecular structure. For instance, the bonds between silicon and oxygen atoms are highly flexible, allowing the entire chain to bend easily. This structural difference grants silicone superior thermal stability and environmental resistance.

• Excellent antifungal properties
• UV and ozone resistant
• Smooth-textured commercial-grade silicone sheet
• Customizable for seals and gaskets
• Uncommon blue color aids part identification

With a Shore A hardness of 50, this silicone elastomer prioritizes flexibility over durability. It is ideal for applications requiring highly pliable rubber components. Due to its lower hardness, this commercial-grade silicone is easier to cut, handle, and fabricate than harder variants.

Beyond withstanding extreme temperatures, this silicone sheet offers moderate chemical resistance. It can endure exposure to substances like ammonia solutions, acetic acid, vinegar, and sodium sulfate, making it suitable for laboratory or chemical-heavy environments.

Thanks to its superior thermal stability and resistance to outdoor elements, silicone is more robust than rubber in harsh conditions. While rubber often has higher tensile strength, silicone maintains functionality under extreme temperatures. Its silicon-oxygen backbone structure enhances properties like heat resistance, chemical stability, electrical insulation, and weather resistance. Silicone’s broad operating range (-103°F to +500°F) allows components like industrial black silicone gaskets to remain functional in extreme environments. Additionally, silicone resists damage from UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

• Exceptional antifungal properties
• UV and ozone resistant for outdoor use
• Commonly used in laboratory settings
• Color varies from light to dark gray

Rubber sheets are often used to manufacture seals and gaskets for various purposes. This 50 Shore hardness silicone can be custom-processed into seals or gaskets. Due to its lower hardness, it is easier to cut using methods like die-cutting, laser cutting, or waterjet cutting.

Hardness measures a rubber’s flexibility and resistance to indentation. Higher ratings indicate greater durability. With a Shore A hardness of 50, this commercial-grade silicone is highly flexible. It is one of the most popular silicone grades due to its cost-effectiveness and availability in shorter lengths.

Silicone is used to create a wide range of products, from industrial gaskets and seals to components for human-consumption applications. Silicone sheets are among the most popular materials for manufacturing industrial rubber parts in abrasive environments. For example, silicone rubber is ideal for: 1) applications exceeding 212°F, 2) non-toxic food-contact uses, 3) high electrical resistance, 4) steam sterilization resistance (common in medical seals), and 5) high durability. Industrial silicone components, like black silicone gaskets, withstand extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and outdoor elements, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor industrial applications. Beyond industrial uses, flexible silicone sheets are also versatile for residential purposes, such as weatherstripping for doors and windows.

Soft silicone is a durable, flexible material widely used in industrial and residential settings. The 40A grade, known for its pliability, is ideal for compression applications like gaskets and seals. Despite its softness, 40A silicone exhibits remarkable thermal stability and resists damage from UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture. Overall, soft silicone provides reliable performance in both indoor and outdoor environments.