Dow Corning offers new Silastic LSR for automotive electrical-system connectors

Dow Corning introduced on December 7 its newest self-lubricating Silastic brand Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) elastomers to the company's selection of silicone and fluorosilicone sealing materials for automotive electrical-system connectors.

"As a solutions specialist, Dow Corning offers many design and processing options with our wide range of innovative materials for effective connector seals and gaskets," said Mitsuhiro Sakamaki, a Dow Corning Global Automotive Major Market Leader. "This includes choices for both fabricated and form-in-place sealing components."

Mr Sakamaki, who oversees the company's vehicle braking, chassis, body, lighting and electrical systems businesses, added, "Our newest self-lubricating Silastic brand LSR elastomers are designed to improve process efficiency and reduce costs for molded-connector sealing components, such as grommets, weather-pack and mat seals, peripheral seals, and bushings."

Mr Sakamaki noted that heat-resistant silicone choices and fuel-resistant fluorosilicone options offer connector-design flexibility to meet application processing and performance requirements:
- Silastic High Consistency Rubber (HCR) elastomers are ready-to-use compounds, easily customized for special needs.
- Silastic LSR elastomers balance good mechanical properties with high-volume productivity.
- Dow Corning GT precured gel grommets and sealing strips provide self-healing mat seals and grommets for high-density connectors.
- Silastic Fluorosilicone Rubber (FSR) elastomers are used for connector seals and gaskets exposed to fuels and oils.
- Silastic Fluoro Liquid Silicone Rubber (F-LSR) elastomers combine fuel resistance with liquid-processing benefits.

In addition, a range of Dow Corning brand silicone and fluorosilicone adhesive/sealants are available for use in manufacturing or service for form-in-place electrical sealing and bonding. The company said its special hot-melt silicone adhesives provide good green strength for improving productivity.

As stated, Silastic and Dow Corning connector-sealing solutions can provide strong mechanical sealing against moisture, dust and contaminants. Insulation strength can be maintained over a wider temperature range than many organic elastomers. Application-matched properties can include resistance to harsh conditions, fuels, weathering, aging and compression set.