Technical Resources
Aug 6, 2010
Low Durometer Silicones Designed for Soft Tissue Implant Applications
Silicone gels and elastomers have been used in soft tissue implant applications for decades because gels offer softness and silicone elastomers offer increased cohesive strength. However, they both offer these unique benefits independent of the other.
Jun 23, 2010
Thermally Stable Silicones for Space and Aircraft Applications
Silicones offer
thermal stability at high operating temperatures, as high as 300°C depending
on the exposure time. Silicones can be incorporated with iron oxide fillers that
can impart increased thermal stability at elevated temperatures. These same
silicones can also be modified for low outgassing or fuel resistance to handle
the rigorous demands of aerospace and aircraft technologies.
Jun 21, 2010
Fluorosilicones
NuSil’s line of fluorosilicones comprises adhesives, sealants
and coatings. Fluorosilicones resist degradation when exposed
to jet fuel, solvents, gasoline, or crude oil and operate in a
broad range of temperatures.
May 25, 2010
Low Coefficient of Friction Silicone Coating (R-2182)
R-2182 is a two-part, low coefficient of friction silicone coating dispersed in xylene specifically designed to coat molded or extruded silicone parts and overcome the inherent tackiness and a tendency for blocking (sticking to themselves by virtue of chemical affinity) of silicone.
Jan 28, 2010
Low Coefficient of Friction Silicone Coating (MED-6670)
MED-6670 is a two-part, low coefficient of friction silicone coating dispersed in
xylene specifically designed to coat molded or extruded silicone parts and
overcome the inherent tackiness and a tendency for blocking (sticking to
themselves by virtue of chemical affinity) of silicone.
Dec 16, 2009
Mixing and De airing Addition Cure Silicones
Silicone and air mixtures are very complex and dynamic systems, however this article’s purpose is not to discuss fluid dynamics and laminar flow, but rather the basics of how air can be introduced into a system, common methods of mixing and de-airing, and packaging options when specialized mixing and dispensing equipment is not available.
Dec 10, 2009
Correlation Between Moisture Permeability of Phenyl Substitution on Dimethicone and Performance as a Moisture Shield in Haircare Products
Studies have revealed that high humidity leads to higher moisture levels in the hair and despite the desire to be moisturized the high moisture
content results in a negative perception of the feel and appearance of the hair. For this reason NuSil Technology chose to measure the water
permeability of silicones with varying degrees of phenyl substitution in addition to characterizing hair tresses treated with the same silicones and
subjected to high humidity levels.
Dec 7, 2009
Tacky Gels for Healthcare Applications
Silicone tacky gels are ideal for processing into sheets or pads for various topical applications requiring a temporary adhesive. Silicone gels have a history of biocompatibility, are non-allergenic, and offer superior breathability.
Sep 15, 2009
Silicones for Thermal Management
NuSil understands the difficulties that occur when bonding hybrid packages and offers a wide variety of thermally conductive silicones for potting, encapsulating and adhering all levels of packaging. Silicones offer thermal stability at high operating temperatures that other adhesives are unable to sustain. NuSil’s thermally conductive silicone adhesives and encapsulants aid in the removal of heat without adding additional stress to the device during thermal cycling.
Sep 9, 2009
The Influence of Primer on Adhesion of Silicone to Silver and Gold Substrates
This case study investigates the influence primer has on the adhesion of a standard silica filled methyl silicone to silver and gold substrates.
Jul 28, 2009
Colored Silicones for Healthcare Applications
NuSil Technology has the capability to provide pre-colored silicone materials available to the healthcare market. NuSil can provide colored versions of our Liquid Silicone Rubbers (LSR), High Consistency Rubbers (HCR), Low Consistency Elastomers (LCE) and adhesives, pigmenting these materials to be either translucent or opaque.
Jul 28, 2009
Silicone Ice-phobic Coatings
Ice build up has major economic impact on the aircraft industry, resulting in multiple efforts to understand
and resolve the problem. When compared to other commercially marketed ice-phobic coatings and
non-stick materials such as Tefon®, NuSil’s silicone coatings show significantly improved reduction in ice
adhesion when applied on aluminum surfaces.
Jul 21, 2009
Application and Storage Recommendations for NuSil’s Primers
Adhesion is a critical property for numerous applications involving silicone materials. Silicone primers
are often used to improve adhesion between silicones and various substrates. The proper handling and
application of silicone primers can enhance the overall strength and consistency of bonds. This document outlines the procedures that are recommended for best bonding results.
- Download
- General Engineering / General Healthcare
Jun 24, 2009
Moisture Permeability of Silicone Systems- Case Study #1
The healthcare, electronics and aerospace industries use silicone elastomers and adhesives in a broad range of applications. Humidity control is an important parameter of concern for these applications. For instance, wound dressings must “breathe” similar to our skin to accelerate the healing process. In other applications moisture permeability can cause premature failure due to corrosion of electronic components or other means. An example would be moisture sensitive fillers and humid environments can alter the performance of the functional fillers. In Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), phosphors added to the silicone encapsulant to make white light may absorb moisture over time, which could alter the light output of the LED.
- Download
- General Engineering / General Healthcare
Jun 15, 2009
Silicone for Healthcare Balloon Applications
Silicone elastomers possess unique properties making them an ideal material
choice for balloon healthcare applications. Urological catheters, intra aortic
angioplasty devices, and anchors for drug ports or feeding devices all
commonly use silicone balloons. In addition to a proven history of being
non-allergenic and biocompatible, silicone elastomers’ physical properties
contribute to a balloon’s function and desired performance, including key
properties such as modulus, tensile set, and recovery after inflation.
Jun 15, 2009
Silicone Materials for Food Contact
This document includes NuSil’s product listing of cured (as prescribed on the
product certification) and washed elastomers that meet the extraction
requirements of 21 CFR 177.2600 for Rubber Articles Intended for Repeated
Use. Most of NuSil’s (material) elastomers can be tested per this requirement.
May 18, 2009
Ultra Low Outgassing Silicone Materials
Silicone adhesives and coatings have been used for over five decades because of their ability to retain elasticity and low modulus over a broad temperature range, thus reducing shear stress during thermal cycling. These properties provide excellent utility in space and terrestrial environments, where spacecrafts and sensitive electronics are repeatedly exposed to these extreme temperatures.
Apr 29, 2009
Fast-Cure Silicone Adhesives for Medical Device Applications
NuSil’s line of fast-cure silicone adhesives are two-part, platinum catalyzed, addition cure systems that provide excellent mechanical properties including high peel strength. The Unrestricted adhesives (MEDX-4213) may be considered for use in long-term implantable (>29 days) medical device applications, and the Restricted adhesives (MEDX-4013) may be used for short-term implant (=29 days) or external applications. These adhesives are typically used to bond silicones to metals, plastics, urethanes, ceramics, glass or other silicones – frequently without the use of primer.
Apr 29, 2009
Adjustable Cure Silicone Adhesives for Various Assembly Applications
NuSil’s R31-2186,R32-2186 and R33-2186 are two-part, adjustable cure,
high strength silicone adhesives. Thisseries of adhesives is designed to allow the engineer to accelerate the cure time with heat to allow more
efficient processing times and reduce production costs. R31-2186 and R33-2186 are designed to cure at low temperatures for situations where higher cure temperatures can’t be used due to equipment limitations or heat sensitive materials within the assembly.
Apr 29, 2009
Two-Part, Side by Side Kit Adapter Instructions
EQ049/047 is an adapter that can be used to dispense material from a side by side (sxs) kit, also known as a dual cartridge. In place of using the standard extruder gun for the sxs kit, the EQ049/047 is used in conjunction with a standard caulking gun.
Feb 18, 2009
Silicones for Solar Module Assembly
NuSil Technology is a global leader in formulating custom silicone materials and has a wide range of silicones useful for solar module assembly. We can chemically modify silicone to a variety of refractive indices to minimize light loss at optical interfaces. For decades NuSil has been supplying silicones for satellite solar arrayassemblies and refractive index matching in Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
Feb 2, 2009
Silicone for Specialized LCD Screens - LS-3252
LCD screens are specialized assemblies comprised of many fragile components and materials. With LCD screens becoming smaller and smaller, they are being incorporated into many high-end devices such as PDAs or GPS systems that require use in rugged and extreme environments. NuSil offers the curable silicone gel LS-3252 for use in LCD screens. LS-3252 is an encapsulation material designed for protection of sensitive photonics assemblies.
Jan 26, 2009
Optical Properties of Radiation Resistant Silicone
Silicones do not degrade at continuous high operating conditions up to 200 °C. They are also able to maintain their flexibility at temperatures as low as - 60 °C compared with other adhesives that have Tg above 0 °C. Silicones can have excellent optical stability after heat and UV exposure.
Jan 26, 2009
Silicones for Solar Module Assembly
NuSil Technology is a global leader in formulating custom silicone materials and has a wide range of silicones useful for solar module assembly. We can chemically modify silicone to a variety of refractive indices to minimize light loss at optical interfaces.
Jan 13, 2009
Lubricious Silicone Coatings and Lubricants
Cutting edges, hypodermic or suture needles, and other medical instruments that are inserted into the human body such as catheters and feeding tubes often require lubrication or lubricious coatings that are durable and long lasting for repeated use. Silicones are known for their feel-enhancing effects and lubricity. Silicones provide effective lubrication solutions for many medical device applications.
Oct 16, 2008
Troubleshooting Silicone Materials Series
Curable silicone systems can be challenging to use because they are formulated with specific amounts of reactive species, catalysts, crosslinkers, polymers and inhibitors that can create variability. The keys to understanding and resolving problems using silicone materials require an understanding and appreciation for each component and how it functions.
Sep 2, 2008
Avoiding Inhibition When Working with Platinum Catalyzed Silicones
Silicones are formulated to cure with a number of catalysts. Each catalyst requires a certain set of conditions to cure and these conditions are typically included on the Product Profile or data sheet. Silicones can contain chemical entities known as cure inhibitors that are added by the manufacturer to adjust pot life (working time) and curing time.
Jul 31, 2008
Methods Used to Sterilize Silicone Based Medical Devices
There are several sterilization methods commonly used for medical devices including: dry heat, steam autoclaving, ethylene oxide, gamma radiation and electron beam sterilization. Several concerns arise about the effects sterilization has on material properties including silicones. Device design, raw material selection, and processing are fundamental considerations that should be addressed before the product is sterilized and shipped to the device manufacurer.
Jun 20, 2008
Ice Phobic Coatings / R-2180
Ice build up is a serious problem and has a major economic impact in the aircraft industry, resulting in multiple efforts to understand it. Compared to other commercially marketed ice-phobic coatings, and other materials known to have non-stick properties such as Teflon®, NuSil’s R-2180 silicone coating is shown to significantly reduce ice adhesion when applied on aluminum surfaces.
Feb 14, 2008
Silicone Removal For Electronic Rework Applications
Reworking electronic packaging is essential for failure analysis and recovering valuable materials. It involves using chemicals and processes that will cause minimal damage to substrates when removing adhesives in the most cost effective manner. Removing silicone adhesives can be difficult if using removal methods designed for adhesives other than silicone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the removal rate of various silicone adhesives bonded to various substrates by silicone digesters typically used in microelectronic packages.
Jul 11, 2007
Designing With Silicone Materials
This document focuses on product design with silicone materials. This document uses the technical knowledge and experience of NuSil Technology’s staff and provides links to additional online resources.
Apr 21, 2007
Low Outgassing Silicones for Advanced Electronic Packaging
NuSil Technology's Electronic Packaging Materials (EPMs) are comprised of encapsulants and adhesives. Our EPM Product Line is designed to have very low levels of contaminants commonly linked to device reliability.
Aug 8, 2006
Aerospace Bibliography
This document provides a list of published documents referencing NuSil Technology products.
Jul 7, 2006
Facts About Engineering Developmental Materials
Although we have a broad line of standard silicone-based materials, we constantly strive to develop new materials that bring new properties and superior performance to an advancing market. In order to maintain our ISO quality standards, ‘developmental’ materials follow a different path than our standard products.
Jun 24, 2004
Silicone Terms and Definitions
This document provides definitions and explanations of terms related to various material types, characteristics and preparation techniques related to silicone technology.
Jan 8, 2003
Material Conversion
Dispensing or applying curing materials directly from a single container into an optical assembly is often more convenient, particularly in production settings. This Application Note provides some guidelines for converting Lightspan’s curing twopart materials to one-part materials for dispensing from a single container.
Jan 8, 2003
Improving Light Extraction from LEDs
The efficiency that light passes from LED dies into surrounding encapsulations or lens structures limits LED light output. This Application Note provides design guidance regarding the quantitative improvement in LED light output by encapsulating LED’s with high refractive index Lightspan optical gels or thermosets.
Jan 8, 2003
Index Matching Using Optical Polymers
Light partially reflects when encountering boundaries between media with different refractive indices. This Application Note provides design guidance regarding the optical performance improvement obtained by reducing such reflections through index matching, and addresses the special case of “quarter-wave matching”. Finally, this note provides a summary of refractive index data for optical materials.
Jan 8, 2003
Avoiding Cure Inhibition
Lightspan™ Optical Thermosets and Gels provide excellent optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, because of the cure chemistry, addition cure, some ingredients commonly found in certain adhesives, plastics, and elastomers adversely affect these products’ cure. This is true for all addition cure systems not just Lightspan Optical Thermosets and Gels. This Application Note offers guidance on avoiding cure inhibition and bubbles when using Lightspan Optical Materials.