Silicone products are widely known for their excellent performance in tear resistance, tensile strength and overall user experience. However, many long-time customers have reported a problem with silicone products - aging phenomenon, loss of elasticity, and sticky surfaces. This may come as a surprise, as silicone has always been thought of as a high-performance material. So, what causes this aging phenomenon in silicone products?
Silicone resins have better adhesive properties than many rubbers, but like many other materials, silicone products may also experience aging. This is because internal molecular chains can break, leading to a significant change in the product's performance. Specifically, silicone products are particularly susceptible to ultraviolet light, which can cause direct damage to molecular chains. Rubber products can absorb light energy, leading to the production of free radicals within the material. In contrast, silicone products can only be damaged by sharp tools or used in environments that are unsuitable for the product for an extended period of time. Even under non-standard circumstances, silicone products can still be used for up to 10 years, and in some cases, up to 100 years.
However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures or chemicals can accelerate the oxidation of silicone products, leading to rapid aging. Therefore, when using silicone products, it is important to avoid using them in high temperature, high-pressure, chemical or ozone environments for extended periods of time. By taking these steps, we can effectively delay the aging of silicone products, ultimately extending their lifespan.
