Silicone Foam: Key Properties and Industrial Applications
Silicone foam—also known as foamed silicone—is a porous elastomeric material produced by physically or chemically foaming silicone rubber. It combines the inherent elasticity of silicone rubber with the functional advantages of foam materials, including sound insulation, shock absorption, waterproof sealing, and excellent weather resistance. These characteristics make silicone foam one of the most versatile materials for demanding industrial environments.
Key Properties
Temperature Resistance: Silicone foam offers an impressive operating range from -60°C to 200°C and can withstand even higher short-term temperatures of 280°C to 350°C, making it ideal for high-heat environments.
Flame Resistance: Many silicone foam products meet stringent safety standards such as UL 94 V-0 and UL-157. With low smoke and low toxicity characteristics, they are widely used in safety-critical applications.
Electrical Insulation: Standard silicone foam exhibits excellent electrical insulation performance, making it suitable for electronic and electrical applications.
Density and Elasticity: With densities ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 g/cm³, silicone foam provides high resilience, stable compression characteristics, and minimal permanent deformation over long-term use.
Typical Applications
New Energy Vehicles & Automotive: Silicone foam plays a crucial role in battery pack sealing, thermal runaway protection, and cushioning and insulation between battery cells.
Electronics & Telecommunications: It is widely used in 5G base station EMI shielding, PCB-level SMT conductive foam components, and precision electronic sealing.
Rail Transit & Aerospace: Its durability, vibration resistance, and weather stability make it suitable for noise reduction, shock absorption, and sealing in harsh environments.
Industrial Equipment & Home Appliances: Applications include mechanical keyboard sealing strips, heat press machine pads, and anti-slip pads for furniture and equipment.
With its unique combination of thermal stability, resilience, and multi-functional performance, silicone foam continues to expand its presence across industries that demand advanced materials capable of delivering long-term reliability and safety.