2006 News

Shin-Etsu Chemical announces development and commercialization of a new superior silicone rubber for molding

- New product features Shin-Etsu's newly developed high-performance anti-static technology -

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo; President: Chihiro Kanagawa) announced the development and commercial launch of a silicone rubber for molding that possesses superior anti-static characteristics. This new product makes use of the company's newly developed anti-static technology. It maintains its anti-static performance even in applications where it is exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. Accordingly, demand is anticipated in almost every field of industry, starting with the electric and electronics industries and including such applications as business equipment and automobiles.

This newly developed silicone rubber product makes use of Shin-Etsu Chemical's silicone technology, which has been nurtured over many decades. In addition to having the superior basic physical properties of general-use silicone rubber, such as good colorability and the ability to maintain stable dielectric properties, it provides superior anti-static protection even when exposed to high temperatures. The new silicone rubber comes in two series: the KE-9490-U general-purpose series and the KE-5490-U high-strength series. Each series features three products, which consist of 40°, 50° and 60° rubber hardness after molding.

Silicone rubbers are composites that contain highly polymerized silicone polymer and reinforcement fillers. Silicone polymer and reinforcement fillers such as silica are electrical insulators, and silicone rubber obtained by compounding these materials becomes electrically charged when it comes in contact with various materials. Traditionally, polyether-based fillers or carbon black were used to impart anti-static properties to silicone rubber. But polyether compounds decompose under high temperatures, and as a result, over time a sufficient static-charge prevention effect is lost and the physical properties of the silicone rubber deteriorate. Furthermore, when carbon black is used, it is difficult to maintain stable dielectric properties and the color is limited to black. Shin-Etsu's newly developed anti-static technology has resolved these problems altogether.

Shin-Etsu anticipates strong demand for this superior new silicone rubber product in diverse fields of application, including the electric and electronics industries, business equipment and automobiles. Accordingly, Shin-Etsu has begun switching over from conventional products, starting with applications in carrier rollers and keypads, and the company will also focus on pioneering new applications for this new product. Silicones are highly functional materials that combine characteristics of both organic and inorganic materials. They are materials that provide high value-added features for products in a wide range of industrial fields, including electrical and electronic applications, automobiles, construction, cosmetics and chemicals.

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