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Course Dates
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- 5 March 2025
- 10 September 2025
- We also run an online version of this course
Overview
The properties and processing of silicone elastomers are often very different from other elastomers. This course provides an overview of the main types of silicone elastomer currently available and compares their chemical structure, manufacturers, grades, properties, compounding, processing and applications. It also explores silicone rubber in the context of other commercial polymers.
Enough basic polymer science is included to understand these topics, and extensive use will be made of samples and other visual aids to assist.
Gain CPD credits
Smithers is an IOM3 Quality Assured training provider and our courses are approved towards professional development.
Learning outcomes
- Gain an understanding of the chemistry and properties of silicone elastomers
- Discover the main types of silicone elastomers, and understand their uses
- Gain knowledge on aspects of processing from compounding to moulding, extrusion and curing
- Be able to communicate more effectively with suppliers and customers
Course content
- Introduction to the major types of silicone elastomers
- High temperature vulcanising rubbers (HTV)
- Room (or Low) temperature vulcanising (RTV)
- Liquid (heat curable) silicone rubber (LSR)
- Basic polymer science
- Summary of the core elements of polymer science to support understanding of the other course topics
- Structure and properties of silicone elastomers:
- Basic structure
- Modifications to basic MQ (VMQ, PMQ, PVMQ, FMQ, FVMQ)
- Silicone elastomers: compounding and additives
- Compound types, vulcanising
- Fillers, other additives, colourants
- Processing of silicone elastomers
- Moulding, extrusion, coating, fabrication, curing
- Concentrating on aspects particular to silicone elastomers
- Commercial grades and applications of silicone elastomers
- Drivers for demand
- Electrical and electronic, automotive, aerospace, medical, other applications
- Manufacturers of silicone rubber
- Grades of silicone rubber
Who will benefit?
- Product designers; engineers; quality assurance; technical support; sales/marketing personnel
- Material suppliers; processors and manufacturers of finished and semi-finished products/components
- Anyone with an interest in Silicone Elastomers wishing to gain a better understanding of the material
Presenter information
You can read more about their expertise by clicking on their expert profiles.What our delegates say
"Very worthwhile use of a day"Michael Carter (Vulcan)
"Very comprehensive and knowledgeable but pitched well to audience, excellent introduction to Silicone Elastomers"
Andrew Sapsford (Bespak)