Determination Method for Penetration of Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber (commonly referred to as silicone) is a type of synthetic rubber with a main chain composed of siloxane bonds. Its chemical component is silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
Experimental Objectives
The core objective of the silicone rubber penetration test is to quantify its hardness (consistency). Specific applications include:
Quality Control: Ensuring silicone rubber products (such as thermal conductive silicone grease and artificial breast materials) comply with industry standards (e.g., the range of Type S: 270–330, Type F: 320–380, etc.).
R&D Optimization: Improving the spreadability, durability, and mechanical properties of silicone rubber by adjusting its formula.
Performance Evaluation: Predicting the fluidity, compression resistance, and stability of silicone rubber in actual use.
Experimental Instruments
①Experimental Material: Silicone rubber
②Experimental Instruments：Experimental Apparatus: SH017 Automatic Silicone Rubber Penetrometer, which complies with the HG/T 2502 standard.
Experimental Procedures
Sample Loading: Fill the dedicated test container (diameter: 55 mm, height: ≥ 60 mm) with silicone rubber. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring no air bubbles remain.
Preloading Treatment: Place the container on the penetrometer platform, and allow the tip of the cone to lightly touch the sample surface. Apply a 10 g preload and hold for 5 seconds to eliminate surface tension.
Penetration Test:Release the cone and let it fall freely into the sample.
Read the pointer scale (unit: 0.1 mm) after 5 seconds.
Test each sample 3 times at different positions and calculate the average value.
Experimental Results
The test value of 288 meets the standard requirements. The sample has moderate consistency with no abnormal data. The deviation of the three test results is ≤ 2%, indicating good repeatability.
