In the fields of industrial manufacturing, electronic appliances, construction, and automobiles, the demand for sealing, insulation, and protection is ubiquitous. RTV silicone rubber (room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber) has become an indispensable material in modern industry due to its excellent temperature resistance, elasticity, chemical stability, and environmental characteristics. This article will comprehensively analyze the definition, types, performance advantages, and typical application scenarios of RTV silicone rubber, helping you quickly understand the core value of this “versatile” material.
1、 What is RTV silicone rubber?
**RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanization Silicone Rubber) is an organic silicone material that can undergo cross-linking reaction (curing) at room temperature. It exists in liquid or paste form and undergoes chemical reactions upon contact with moisture or catalysts in the air, ultimately forming a tough elastic body. According to different curing mechanisms, RTV silicone rubber is mainly divided into two categories:
Single component RTV silicone rubber (1K RTV)
Ingredients: base polymer+catalyst (such as organotin or organotitanium).
Curing method: Slowly cure after exposure to moisture in the air, usually taking 24-72 hours to fully cure.
Features: Easy to operate, no need for mixing, suitable for mass production.
Two component RTV silicone rubber (2K RTV)
Ingredients: Base gel (polymer)+curing agent (catalyst).
Curing method: After mixing, it reacts quickly and can be cured within minutes to hours. The curing speed can be adjusted by the ratio.
Features: After curing, the mechanical properties are better, suitable for sealing and potting of precision components.
2、 Core performance advantages of RTV silicone rubber
- Wide temperature adaptability
High temperature resistance: It can be used for a long time in the range of -60 ℃ to 200 ℃ (single component) or -50 ℃ to 250 ℃ (two-component), with a short-term temperature tolerance of up to 300 ℃.
Low temperature elasticity: It remains soft at low temperatures, avoiding brittleness and suitable for extremely cold environments. - Excellent chemical stability
Corrosion resistance: Stable to acids, alkalis, salts, oils, and most solvents, suitable for chemical and marine environments.
Electrical insulation: high dielectric strength, breakdown voltage ≥ 20kV/mm, widely used for insulation of electronic equipment. - Excellent sealing and protective performance
Airtight sealing: After curing, a continuous and dense sealing layer is formed, effectively isolating water vapor, gas, and dust.
Shock absorption and buffering: The elastic structure can absorb vibrations and impacts, protecting precision components. - Environmental Protection and Safety
Non toxic and odorless: certified by FDA and RoHS, meeting food contact and medical grade application standards.
Low smoke and low toxicity: emits less smoke during combustion, meets UL94 V-0 flame retardant rating. - Process flexibility
Coating ability: can be sprayed, poured, brushed, or glued, suitable for automated production lines.
Dimensional stability: Low shrinkage rate (<1%) after curing, ensuring the dimensional accuracy of precision components. - Two component RTV silicone rubber (2K RTV)
- Ingredients: Base gel (polymer)+curing agent (catalyst).
- Curing method: After mixing, it reacts quickly and can be cured within minutes to hours. The curing speed can be adjusted by the ratio.
- Features: After curing, the mechanical properties are better, suitable for sealing and potting of precision components.
- 2、 Core performance advantages of RTV silicone rubber
- Wide temperature adaptability
High temperature resistance: It can be used for a long time in the range of -60 ℃ to 200 ℃ (single component) or -50 ℃ to 250 ℃ (two-component), with a short-term temperature tolerance of up to 300 ℃.
Low temperature elasticity: It remains soft at low temperatures, avoiding brittleness and suitable for extremely cold environments. - Excellent chemical stability
Corrosion resistance: Stable to acids, alkalis, salts, oils, and most solvents, suitable for chemical and marine environments.
Electrical insulation: high dielectric strength, breakdown voltage ≥ 20kV/mm, widely used for insulation of electronic equipment. - Excellent sealing and protective performance
Airtight sealing: After curing, a continuous and dense sealing layer is formed, effectively isolating water vapor, gas, and dust.
Shock absorption and buffering: The elastic structure can absorb vibrations and impacts, protecting precision components. - Environmental Protection and Safety
Non toxic and odorless: certified by FDA and RoHS, meeting food contact and medical grade application standards.
Low smoke and low toxicity: emits less smoke during combustion, meets UL94 V-0 flame retardant rating. - Process flexibility
Coating ability: can be sprayed, poured, brushed, or glued, suitable for automated production lines.
Dimensional stability: Low shrinkage rate (<1%) after curing, ensuring the dimensional accuracy of precision components.
3、 Typical application scenarios of RTV silicone rubber
- Electronic and electrical industry
Sealing and potting: Used for waterproof, dustproof, and moisture-proof sealing of devices such as LED lights, circuit boards, sensors, etc.
Insulation protection: Wrap cable joints, transformers, etc. to enhance electrical safety.
Thermal interface material: After adding thermal fillers, it can be used as a thermal pad for CPUs and power modules. - Architecture and Construction
Curtain wall sealing: used for weather resistant sealing of glass curtain walls and steel structure joints, resistant to UV aging.
Pipeline joint sealing: suitable for leak proof sealing of water supply and drainage pipelines and ventilation systems.
Waterproof engineering: Waterproof sealing of basement and roof joints, excellent crack resistance performance. - Automobiles and Transportation
Engine compartment sealing: High temperature resistant sealing gasket to isolate oil, gas, and dust.
Sealing of car lights and sensors: ensuring the reliable performance of car lights and radar sensors.
Shock absorption components: used for shock absorption and buffering of suspension systems and chassis. - Medical and food industries
Medical equipment sealing: sterile sealing of surgical instruments, ventilators, and other equipment.
Food processing equipment: Sealing components that comply with FDA standards and are resistant to high-temperature steam cleaning. - Energy and New Energy
Sealing of photovoltaic modules: Waterproof sealing of solar panel junction boxes, resistant to UV aging.
Battery packaging: insulation and sealing protection for lithium batteries and fuel cells.
4、 How to choose the appropriate RTV silicone rubber? - Choose according to the curing method
Single component RTV: suitable for small batch manual operation, with longer curing time but lower cost.
Two component RTV: suitable for rapid curing of precision components, with better performance after curing. - Performance requirement matching
Temperature requirement: Choose dual components for high temperature environments (such as engine seals).
Chemical environment: When in contact with grease or solvents, choose corrosion-resistant models.
Mechanical strength: When high tensile strength or tear strength is required, choose high modulus products. - Certification and environmental standards
Food contact: FDA and NSF certification is required.
Medical grade application: Complies with ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards.
Environmental requirements: Choose low VOC (volatile organic compound) products that meet RoHS and REACH regulations. - Construction convenience
Automated production: Prioritize models with good thixotropy and adhesive properties.
Complex structure filling: Choose low viscosity products with good fluidity.
5、 Frequently Asked Questions about RTV Silicone Rubber
Q1: Will RTV silicone rubber harden after curing?
A： After curing, the material maintains elasticity, but the modulus (hardness) of the two-component product can be adjusted, and different hardness can be selected according to needs (such as 20-80 Shore A).
Q2： How to avoid incomplete solidification?
A： Ensure that the environmental humidity is ≥ 30% (single component), and when mixing two components, accurately weigh them in proportion to avoid uneven mixing.
Q3: Can RTV silicone rubber bond to metals?
A： Most RTVs have good adhesion to metals, plastics, and glass, but the surface needs to be cleaned and oil stains removed.
Q4： How to extend the shelf life of RTV?
A： Single component sealed and refrigerated (2-8 ℃), two-component packaged and sealed to avoid contact with air.
6、 Key points for selecting high-quality RTV silicone rubber suppliers
Brand and R&D strength: Choose suppliers with independent formula capabilities and ISO certification.
Customized service: viscosity, hardness, color and other parameters can be adjusted according to customer needs.
Technical support: Provide application testing, curing parameter recommendations, and failure analysis services.
Localized service: Fast response, providing samples and after-sales technical support.
label: RTV silicone rubber, organic silicone rubber, organic silicone adhesive sealant, organic silicone adhesive
