MIDLAND, Mich.—Dow has launched a new selective adhesion liquid silicone rubber series, one that the chemical company expects will serve the mobility and transportation markets.
The Silastic SA 994X LSR "builds on previously announced capacity expansions," Dow said in a Dec. 6 press release.
"The investments we've made in our liquid silicone rubber capacities were both an exciting and necessary step for us as we work to provide the best possible material solutions for our mobility customers," said Jeroen Bello, global marketing director for mobility and transportation, Dow Consumer Solutions. "Our expanded ability to produce these technologies has enabled further advancements from our engineers, which deepens the level of collaboration that we bringing to the table."
According to Dow, the silicone series comprises primerless, self-adhesive and self-lubricating LSRs for two-component injection molding.
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The silicones can be used in conjunction with thermoplastic substrates, with such end-use applications as connector seals, battery vent gaskets, radiator gasket seals and AV lidar and radar housing.
The new series allows for strong adhesion under heat and humidity, instant full-bond strength and a 12-month shelf-life.
"As the requirements of automotive OEMs and tiers continue to evolve in response to the rapid change occurring throughout the industry, it's of the utmost importance that they have the tools they need to keep up to speed," said Bello. "Liquid silicone rubbers are a critical material in multiple mobility and transportation applications and our team at Dow is continuously working toward greater global level innovation within this product category."
Dow, which turned 125 this year, expanded in 2021 in Zhangjiagang, China, with a new LSR mixer at a manufacturing site there, enabling LSR capacity expansion globally.
