What Is RTV-2 Silicone Rubber?

RTV-2 silicone rubber is a two-component room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber that can be either solid, gel, or foam. Each component of the system contains cross-linking agents or catalysts, and when the two components are mixed together, the desired performance can be achieved. The formulation can be customized to meet different requirements for viscosity, adhesion, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, or temperature resistance.

Chemical structure of RTV-2 silicone rubber

RTV-2 silicone rubber is typically liquid or paste-like and, when mixed and cured at room temperature, can form three different physical forms: solid elastomers, gels, and flexible foams. RTV-2 silicone rubber is generally composed of linear polydimethylsiloxanes, reinforcing mineral fillers or organic silicone resins, cross-linking agents, catalysts, and inhibitors. The role of the inhibitor is to control the working time of the mixture, ensuring its processing performance. When the two components are mixed, cross-linking occurs through condensation reaction under the action of organic tin catalysts to produce alcohol by-products, or through addition reaction under the action of platinum catalysts without producing any by-products. One of the latest trends in this industry is to use other organic compounds instead of organic tin catalysts.

Characteristics of RTV-2 silicone rubber

RTV-2 silicone rubber has many excellent characteristics, making it stable over a large temperature range. Elastomer formulations can remain flexible at temperatures ranging from -80°C to +250°C, and some formulations can withstand short-term exposure to temperatures as high as 300°C. On the other hand, some types of RTV silicone rubber can tolerate temperature drops as low as -100°C. It only decomposes when the temperature exceeds 350°C, producing inert silica deposits that are non-flammable and difficult to ignite. Some formulations with good thermal conductivity and dielectric properties are particularly suitable for high-efficiency electrical insulation applications and do not cause thermal agglomeration. Compared to other materials with similar functions, RTV-2 silicone rubber has obvious advantages in heat resistance, and its fire resistance is also excellent in organic silicone formulations, which is a common protective performance indicator for electrical systems. Compared to other materials such as epoxy resins, organic silicone has great flexibility and will not stress electronic components during the coefficient of expansion process. Tolerance includes the ability to withstand long-term exposure to harsh atmospheric conditions. In addition, silicone rubber has good mechanical properties and low surface tension, which can accurately replicate surface details, making it the first choice material for molding applications. Many RTV-2 formulations offer excellent release properties that are better than those of cured rubbers made from organic and inorganic materials, making it an ideal material for molding, printing, and prototype production applications.

Advantages of Using RTV-2 Silicone Rubber

RTV-2 silicone rubber is a versatile material that has found extensive applications in the medical industry, among others. Its biocompatible nature makes it ideal for producing medical silicone adhesives, crucial in skin care products and for securely fixing medical instruments. Products like bandages utilize RTV-2 silicone rubber for their adhesive properties, ensuring they can be easily replaced and maintain their grip over time without causing discomfort upon removal. This is particularly beneficial for patients as it allows for painless removal without disrupting newly grown skin tissue, thanks to the hydrophobic organic silicone adhesive’s properties.

The superiority of RTV-2 silicone rubber comes from its robust mechanical properties, excellent adhesion, superior shear performance, and durable peel strength. These features make it possible to customize RTV-2 silicone rubber formulations to fit specific production environments, catering to the unique needs of manufacturers. When compared to RTV-1 silicone rubber, RTV-2 offers several significant benefits:

• Faster Curing Time: RTV-2 silicone rubber sets more quickly, which can be further expedited by increasing the ambient temperature.

• Thick Coating Capabilities: It can cure thick coatings efficiently, providing more versatility in application.

• Ease of Application: Formulations can be tailored to flow easily, self-level, and prevent dripping, simplifying the application process.

• Excellent Adhesion: Self-adhesive formulations ensure robust attachment to a variety of substrates, enhancing the material's utility across multiple applications.

For those in the medical sector and beyond, sourcing high-quality RTV-2 silicone rubber is key to leveraging these advantages. ZHONGTIAN, as a leading silicone sealant manufacturer, offers a range of RTV-2 silicone rubber products designed to meet the stringent requirements of the medical industry and other fields requiring high-quality silicone solutions.