An Overview of Silicone Rubber: From Properties to Industry

Abstract

Silicone rubber is widely used in fields such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods due to its unique properties and robust structure. While many previous reviews focus on structure and intrinsic properties, this review highlights the connection between silicone rubber and real-world industrial applications. The material is generally classified into room temperature vulcanized (RTV), high temperature vulcanized (HTV), and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Their curing mechanisms, typical formulations, and key performance parameters are systematically compared, along with their typical end-use areas such as sealants, electrical insulation, medical devices, and wearable components. Both conventional and emerging manufacturing methods are summarized. Recent advances, such as 3D printing, microfabrication, and roll-to-roll processing, are enabling cost-effective prototyping and reduced material waste compared to traditional molding techniques. Compared to traditional elastomers, silicone rubber exhibits superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and processing flexibility, which supports its use in extreme environments. The development of modified systems and derivatives has further expanded functionality, providing flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, self-healing, and improved biocompatibility. New recyclable and stimuli-responsive types of silicone rubber also broaden opportunities in sustainable manufacturing, flexible electronics, and smart medical devices. Overall, this review links recent material modifications and advanced processing methods with expanding industrial applications, outlining both current achievements and key directions for future development in the silicone rubber field.

Keywords

Rubber / Elastomers / Crosslinking / Room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber / High temperature vulcanized silicone rubber / Liquid silicone rubber

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2026 SIOC, CAS, Shanghai, & WILEY-VCH GmbH