To help meet key challenges for fabricating more durable automotive components with engineered elastomers, Dow Corning Corporation - a global leader in silicone and silicon-based technology and innovation - now offers a new high-consistency silicone rubber (HCR) that provides superior fatigue resistance in extreme heat and cold. Potential applications for Silastic? HCM 60-1225-GRAY silicone rubber include CVJ boots, exhaust hangers, engine mounts, steering system boots and component mounts for NVH control.

"Especially developed to outperform other elastomers and thermoplastic options in demanding applications, fatigue-resistant Silastic HCM 60-1225-GRAY can deliver excellent performance properties, along with processing efficiency," said Kevin King, product developer for Silastic brand silicone rubber elastomers at Dow Corning. "Significant improvements are achieved in extending fatigue life across a wide service temperature range to meet design specifications for higher operating temperatures as well as for more compact, lighter-weight designs."

For enhanced component durability, Silastic HCM 60-1225-GRAY silicone rubber (PDF) exhibits very high extensional and flexural fatigue life, high tensile and tear strengths, high elongation, good heat-aging stability with low compression set, and stable physical properties for reliable performance from -40 to 200?C (-40 to 392?F).

For process efficiency, fatigue-resistant Silastic HCM 60-1225-GRAY (PDF) is a fully formulated, ready-to-use silicone rubber compound with a peroxide-curing system. It offers process stability, fast cure times at elevated temperatures, excellent mould release and higher throughput without post-curing required. Custom compounding is available for special properties or colours.

"For highly durable, heat-resistant boots for constant-velocity joints (CVJ), new Silastic HCM 60-1225-GRAY can help eliminate the need for heat shields on driveline inboard joints," said Dow Corning Account Manager Gabriel Knee. "For other fabricated parts, this new fatigue-resistant HCR can withstand higher engine and exhaust operating temperatures, resist tearing and cracking with repeated stretching or flexing, and provide long-lasting vibration damping and isolation for NVH control."