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Course dates - click register to select dates
- 17 Feb - 17 Mar 25
- 07 Apr - 05 May 25
- 23 Jun - 21 Jul 25
- 01 Sep - 29 Sep 25
- We also run this course as an in-person event
Course details and format
- 4 hours of recorded modules available
- 28 days to access course materials
- Optional live Q&A after course completion
- Electronic course notes
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.
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
Gain CPD credits
Smithers is an IOM3 Quality Assured training provider and our courses are approved towards professional development.
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
- John Manley, Principal Rubber Consultant - Smithers
- Gary Crutchley, Principal Rubber Consultant - Smithers
What our delegates say about the course material
"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)