Advantages of Silicone Materials

Physical Property Silicone Advantage
Comfort Smooth surface and conformance pressure affords added comfort
Conformance Easily deformable to fit anatomical feature
Compression Compression set < 5% (method-dependent)
Abrasion Resistant
Durability Shape maintenance across wide set of operating conditions. Properties remain stable.
Density Low to high density available based on chemistry & processing conditions. Customizable based on performance needs.
Surface Silicone surface is generally smooth. Can also be textured as needed.
Friction Relatively less friction as compared to PU foams.
Skin seal Provides better seal to skin with and without use of a tackifier.
Tensile Acceptable depending upon on usage. Not fragile.
Thermal insulation Low thermal conductivity.
Thermal stability Better than PU. Operating range: – 70 to 200 deg C
Sterilization ETO, steam autoclave, dry autoclave, e-beam, gamma
Microstructure Strut thickness, pore size, density, porosity can be tailored
Customizable Highly customizable based on raw material chemistries, additives, & processing conditions
Color Color stability is excellent upon exposure to air, UV, water, and temperature
Chemical Property Silicone Advantage
Inertness Extremely inert based on multiple conditions. Chemistry is stable along with physical properties.
VOC’s Minimal to non-existent
Leachables Minimal to non-existent
Flammability Less flammable than PU (V-0, V-1 via UL94)
Acid/base stability Stable upon long exposure. Eventual degradation with high temp.
UV/O2 stability Stable.
Solvent Stability Thermoset material, highly cross-linked, stable to most solvents, some solvents will swell silicone
Customizable Silicone properties and structure can be easily customizable. Performance of products drive the performance characteristics.
Composites Additives can be added to strengthen or alter virgin silicone compositions.
Biological Property Silicone Advantage
Biocompatibility Excellent biocompatibility.
Short-term Implantable FDA history, multiple medical devices.
Long-term implantable FDA history, multiple medical devices.