The United States infrastructure is primed for substantial growth in the coming years. The Inflation Reduction Act and Build Back Better legislation present an abundance of opportunities for elastomer compounders and molders. Momentive's performance materials, such as liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and high consistency rubber (HCR), offer diverse advantages that make them appropriate for infrastructure applications. Silicone elastomers provide distinct advantages in infrastructure applications due to their exceptional properties listed below.
Weather Resistance
Exceptional resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and severe weather conditions. Their outstanding durability and resistance to sunlight and harsh environmental conditions make them well suited for outdoor applications, including building facades, roofing, and bridge components.
Durability
Excellent durability and longevity. These materials are highly durable under prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, rendering them suitable for long-term infrastructure projects.
Flexibility
High flexibility enables them to adapt to structural movement, thermal expansion and contraction, and seismic activity. Flexibility is crucial for expansion joints and seals in bridges and buildings.
Temperature Resistance
Outstanding performance across a broad temperature spectrum for infrastructure applications, especially for materials exposed to varying temperature conditions.
Chemical Resistance
Favorable chemical resistance in corrosive environments, such as industrial installations or wastewater treatment facilities.
Dielectric Insulation
Exceptional electrical insulation properties that safeguard electrical components in infrastructure projects, such as cables, connectors, and electrical enclosures.
Aging Resistance
Excellent aging resistance, retaining their properties for prolonged durations. This is crucial for long-lasting infrastructure components with minimal degradation over time.
Installation Ease
Ease of installation and handling characteristics, as they can undergo molding and extrusion or be utilized as sealants or coatings, thereby streamlining construction and maintenance procedures.
Minimal Maintenance
Enduring properties, resulting in minimal maintenance requirements after installation. This reduces infrastructure project ownership costs.
Reduced Vibration and Noise
Mitigates vibrations and minimizes noise propagation, making them advantageous for applications such as road surfaces, railway tracks, and sound barriers.
Sealing and Waterproofing
Effectively seals and waterproofs infrastructure components, such as expansion joints, roofing systems, and concrete structures, by preventing water infiltration and leakage.
Broad FDA Approval
Various grades of silicone elastomers are approved for use in safe potable water systems, rendering them appropriate for water supply infrastructure components.
Silicone elastomers possess diverse properties, making them a dependable and adaptable option for various infrastructure applications, such as building construction, bridges, roads, tunnels, and utilities. They enhance the durability, efficiency, and security of diverse infrastructure elements. The selection of the silicone elastomer should be based on project requirements and environmental conditions.
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
Momentive's LSR is a versatile group of liquid silicone rubbers. LSR is a platinum-curable silicone elastomer that can be molded and cured quickly at high temperatures. The molding process enables the production of intricate part geometry with precise dimensions. LSR supports rapid injection and fully automated manufacturing without the need for flash removal or trimming.
Momentive Performance LSR elastomers provide infrastructure with the following advantages:
Rapid cycling capabilities
Materials with exceptional clarity
High tear strength
Options for self-bonding capabilities to metal
Prepackaged advantages
Durometer range spans from 3 to 80 Shore A
Self-lubricating materials
Dielectric strength and conductivity
Highly effective insulation and exceptional resistance
High Consistency Rubber (HCR)
Momentive's HCR materials consist of peroxide- and platinum-curable silicone elastomers. They are valued for their durability, resistance to environmental factors, and versatility, making them suitable for various infrastructure and building construction applications. Manufacturers employ extrusion, calendering, molding (injection, compression, and transfer), and fabricating to meet strict specifications and requirements.
Momentive HCR elastomers provide infrastructure with the following advantages:
Improved mechanical efficiency
Optimal clarity
Minimal hysteresis
Enhanced resilience and reduced compression set for high mechanical operations
One-component products
Diverse durometer capabilities
Infrastructure Applications
Roofing
Roofing and waterproofing involve the processes of weatherproofing and ensuring water resistance. Silicone membranes are employed for weatherproofing and waterproofing infrastructure components. They protect against water infiltration, UV radiation, and environmental factors, thereby increasing the longevity of structures. Rubber sheets and membranes are utilized for waterproofing in roofing, foundation walls, and underground structures. They act as moisture barriers and can protect concrete surfaces.
Expansion Joints
Silicone rubber is utilized for constructing flexible expansion joints in infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings. These joints allow for movement caused by temperature changes, seismic activity, or settling, thereby minimizing the likelihood of cracks and structural damage and mitigating potential harm.
Electrical Insulations
Silicone rubber is an electrical insulator for components, wires, connectors, and cables in power transmission and distribution infrastructure. It exhibits exceptional electrical insulation properties and high-temperature resistance.
Traffic Control Devices
Traffic control devices can be fabricated from silicone rubber, which offers long-term durability and environmental resistance.
Sound Insulation
Silicone-based materials are utilized for sound insulation and noise reduction in infrastructure projects, including building interiors and transportation systems, to provide acoustic solutions. Rubber mounts, pads, and isolators mitigate vibrations and minimize noise propagation in structures and machinery, such as HVAC systems, generators, and heavy machinery.
Seals
Rubber pipe seals and couplings connect and seal pipes in plumbing, sewer systems, and infrastructure projects. These connections are designed to prevent leaks and allow for movement between pipes.
Casting Concrete Molds
Silicone elastomers are utilized in making and casting concrete molds. They are flexible and can capture intricate details, enabling the creation of decorative architectural elements, statues, and ornamental features.
Cable Management
Silicone's resilience, temperature resistance, and weatherability make it valuable for cable management in infrastructure projects. Its utilization improves the strength, security, and durability of different elements in constructed surroundings. Various silicone formulations are available for specific infrastructure applications and environmental conditions.
Silicone rubber's versatility and durability make it valuable in numerous industrial and infrastructure applications, enhancing the performance, longevity, and safety of various components and structures. The selection of silicone rubber depends on the specific application's requirements and the prevailing environmental conditions. Consult with our specialists to determine the optimal Momentive grade for your formulation.
