1-minute success stories

1. Silicone solves radiator component coolant compatibility and production issues
2. Improved soundproofing with silicone foam
3. Airbag safety increased with silicone rubber
4. Asbestos replacement in brake linings
5. Silicone and the quest for zero-defect functioning in auto electronics
6. Replacing traditional coatings with solventless silicone

Silicone solves radiator component coolant compatibility and production issues Need: A radiator assembly process lacked robustness due to its dependence on the manual installation of a preformed gasket between the plastic holding tanks and the aluminum radiator housing. Additionally, the gasket material was not compatible with today’s new “long-life” coolants. Solution: By switching to a cured-in-place liquid silicone rubber and a robotic dispensing process, the plastic tank fabricator was able to adhere the seals directly to the tanks and ship them to the radiator assembly plant as a pre-assembled unit. This provided the assembly plant customer with a value-added product and easy, robust installation. Because there were no compatibility issues between the cured gasket and the coolant, quality concerns were greatly reduced as well. Results: A more robust process, improved in-plant quality control, improved end-customer satisfaction through warranty claim reductions, and improved long-term system performance through the compatibility of the silicone with the new “long-life” coolants.
Improved soundproofing with silicone foam Need: During development, acoustics tests showed the interior noise level was too high for a luxury performance car. Solution: Foam-in-place, sound-absorbing silicone was injected into select points on the automobile body. Results: Improved comfort, aesthetics, performance, and customer experience.
Airbag safety increased with silicone rubber Need: Protect fabric from heat and inflation force to increase the safety of car occupants. Solution: Coating airbag cushions with liquid silicone rubber enables even deployment while protecting the fabric from the heat and force of inflation. Sealing the inflatable curtain airbag with engineered silicone elastomers allows for necessary inflation performance. Results: Improved safety and performance.	Photo courtesy of www.autoliv.com.
Asbestos replacement in brake linings Need: Overcome limitations of asbestos replacement materials in brake pads. Solution: A silicone friction-control additive for brake pad formulations to stabilize friction properties and improve braking performance. Results: Improved safety, performance, and reliability; reduced environmental impact.
Silicone and the quest for zero-defect functioning in auto electronics Need: Electronic engine control units and anti-lock braking systems require zero-defect functioning under adverse operating conditions over the entire lifetime of a vehicle. Solution: Silicone protectants, including silicone gels, conformal coatings, and thermal management materials, for electronics applications in vehicles. Results: Improved reliability, safety, and performance.
Replacing traditional coatings with solventless silicone Need: In the automotive parts industry, tighter domestic and international environmental regulations are prohibiting the use of many solvents as carriers or diluents, forcing manufacturers to seek substitutes for traditional conformal coatings that use toxic organic solvents. Solution: A new family of solventless silicone conformal coatings (100% silicone solids). These products deliver excellent physical protection, regulatory compliance, and consistent material supply worldwide. Results: Improved safety, performance, and environmental impact.