Silicone rubber is a widely used material known for its exceptional durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme temperatures. Its thermal stability, chemical resistance, and longevity make it a preferred choice across automotive, aerospace, medical, and manufacturing industries.
However, silicone rubber’s lifespan depends on several factors, including its durometer hardness scale, which measures flexibility, and its shore hardness scale, which determines resistance to wear and tear. Environmental conditions, exposure to harsh chemicals, and proper storage are crucial in extending its longevity.
Let’s explore how long silicone rubber lasts and what factors influence its durability.
What is the Typical Lifespan of Silicone Rubber?
The lifespan of silicone rubber varies based on its grade, application, and environmental exposure. It is essential to distinguish between service life, the duration the material remains functional, and shelf life, which indicates how long it can be stored before use.
Different grades of silicone provide varying levels of durability:
- Industrial & automotive applications (e.g., seals, gaskets) → 15–50 years
- Medical-grade silicone (e.g., implants, tubing) → 10–30 years
- Silicone sponge (e.g., cushioning, insulation) → 5–20 years
- Custom extruded rubber (e.g., specialized sealing solutions) → 20–50 years
High-quality extruded rubber products ensure durability in extreme conditions, making material selection necessary for long-term performance.
What are the Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Silicone Rubber?
The longevity of silicone rubber depends on several factors, including heat resistance, environmental exposure, chemical compatibility, mechanical properties, and storage conditions. Proper selection and maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan in various applications.
1. Thermal Stability & Heat Resistance
One of the advantages of silicone rubber’s heat resistance is its ability to perform in extreme temperatures. The silicone temperature rating ranges from -60°C to 300°C (-76°F to 572°F), with some high-temperature silicone formulations capable of handling up to 350°C (662°F). Silicone’s melting point is around 1,414°C (2,577°F), ensuring its stability in harsh conditions.
2 . UV & Environmental Resistance
Exposure to ozone, UV radiation, and outdoor conditions can affect the lifespan of silicone rubber. Unlike organic rubbers, silicone does not degrade quickly under sunlight, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications.
3. Chemical Compatibility & Degradation
Silicone’s resistance to oils, solvents, and acids significantly affects its durability. Using a compatibility chart chemical helps determine its suitability for different environments. High-quality silicone remains unaffected by many industrial chemicals, making it ideal for the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.
4. Mechanical Properties & Wear Resistance
The shore A durometer scale affects silicone rubber’s flexibility and wear resistance. A higher rubber density improves mechanical durability, reducing the risk of tearing, compression set, or permanent deformation.
5 . Storage Conditions & Best Practices
Proper storage is important to maintain the shelf life of silicone rubber. It should be kept in a calm, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Products like O-rings rubber should be stored correctly to prevent premature aging or hardening before use.
How Does Silicone Rubber Degrade Over Time?
While silicone rubber is highly durable, it can degrade over time due to physical wear, chemical reactions, and mechanical stress. Understanding these factors helps in selecting the right material for long-term performance.
- Physical degradation happens when silicone rubber is used frequently, causing wear and tear over time. For example, the Rubber D channel may lose elasticity after 10-20 years of regular use.
- Chemical degradation occurs when the material is exposed to strong acids, oils, or solvents. Exposure to harsh environments can reduce its lifespan from 30 to 15 years.
- Mechanical stress, such as constant bending or compression, can make silicone harden or crack. Choosing the correct rubber temperature range and proper installation can double the lifespan.
- Thermal exposure affects durability. While silicone rubber remains stable up to 300°C (572°F), long-term heat exposure can weaken its flexibility.
| Degradation Type | Causes | Impact on Lifespan | Prevention Methods |
| Physical Degradation | Repeated use, friction, and aging | Loss of elasticity, surface wear, cracks | Use high-quality rubber P channels to minimize friction |
| Chemical Degradation | Exposure to oxidation, hydrolysis, or harsh chemicals | Weakening of structure increased brittleness | Use chemically resistant silicone rubber |
| Mechanical Stress | Constant compression, flexing, or stretching | Hardening, durometer changes, tearing | Choose appropriate rubber temperature range, avoid excessive mechanical load |
| Thermal Damage | Extreme heat exposure beyond the rubber melting point | Reduced flexibility, melting at very high temperatures | Select high-temperature silicone |
How to Prolong the Life of Silicone Rubber?
To maximize the lifespan of silicone rubber, it is important to choose the correct formulation, apply protective measures, conduct regular maintenance, and store it properly.
These best practices can significantly improve rubber durability, ensuring long-term application performance.
1. Selecting the Right Silicone Type
Not all silicone rubber is the same, so selecting the right high-performance silicone rubber for the intended use is crucial. Standard formulations work well in moderate conditions, but specialized silicone rubber molding is needed for extreme heat, chemicals, or mechanical stress.
- General-purpose silicone rubber → Suitable for -40°C to 200°C
- High-temperature silicone → Can withstand up to 300°C (572°F)
- Medical & food-grade silicone → Biocompatible and FDA-approved
Selecting a formulation based on the rubber temperature range ensures that the material remains flexible and durable in its environment.
2. Protective Coatings & Additives
Exposure to UV rays, ozone, and harsh chemicals can shorten the lifespan of silicone rubber. Applying protective coatings enhances silicone heat resistance and prevents premature degradation.
- UV stabilizers → Extend outdoor durability
- Chemical-resistant coatings → Improve protection against solvents and oils
- Flame-retardant additives → Enhance safety in high-temperature applications
3. Routine Inspection & Maintenance
Regular inspection ensures that silicone rubber maintains its mechanical properties. Monitoring changes in the shore: A durometer scale can help detect early signs of degradation before failure occurs.
- Check for hardness changes – It may indicate wear if the rubber becomes too soft or hard.
- Inspect for surface cracks or swelling – Chemical exposure or excessive heat can cause damage.
- Replace worn-out components promptly – Prevents failure in critical applications.
4. Optimal Storage & Handling
Proper storage conditions play a significant role in preserving rubber durability and extending its shelf life. To maintain silicone safety, it should be stored in a cool, dry environment, away from excessive moisture and direct sunlight.
- Temperature range for storage → 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Avoid exposure to oils and solvents → Can degrade rubber over time
- Use protective packaging → Prevents contamination and mechanical damage
Following these best practices ensures silicone rubber remains in optimal condition before use, preventing premature aging or brittleness.
How Silicone Rubber Compares to Other Elastomers
Choosing the right elastomer depends on temperature resistance, durability, flexibility, and chemical stability.
Silicone rubber vs rubber alternatives, including EPDM Rubber.
1. Silicone Rubber vs. Other Rubbers
| Property | Silicone Rubber | Natural & Synthetic Rubbers |
| Temperature Range | -60°C to 300°C (-76°F to 572°F) | -30°C to 120°C (-22°F to 248°F) |
| Silicone Heat Resistance | Excellent – handles extreme heat | Moderate – degrades beyond 120°C |
| UV & Ozone Resistance | Superior – does not crack or degrade | Poor – exposure causes aging |
| Chemical Resistance | Resists oils, acids, and solvents | Varies – some degrade in chemicals |
| Flexibility in Cold | Retains elasticity at -60°C | Becomes brittle below -30°C |
| Lifespan | 10-50 years, depending on use | 5-20 years, depending on exposure |
Silicone rubber is the better choice for high-temperature applications, UV exposure, and chemical resistance, while traditional rubbers work well for general-purpose sealing and mechanical strength.
2. EPDM vs. Silicone Rubber: Which Performs Better?
| Feature | Silicone Rubber | EPDM Rubber |
| Max. Temperature | 300°C (572°F) | 150°C (302°F) |
| Cold Resistance | -60°C (-76°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
| Weather Resistance | Good, but it may degrade | Good, but may degrade |
| Oil & Chemical Resistance | High – resists acids & solvents | Limited – resists water, not oils |
| Best Applications | Medical, aerospace, high-temperature gasket seals | Automotive, outdoor roofing, water seals |
Choose silicone rubber for extreme temperatures, chemical resistance, and high-performance sealing. EPDM is better suited for outdoor waterproofing and cost-effective general sealing.
Read More- What’s The Difference Between EPDM And Silicone Rubber?
Which Rubber Should You Choose?
By selecting the right material, businesses can ensure maximum durability, performance, and efficiency.
- For heat resistance above 200°C, silicone rubber is the best option.
- For general sealing and affordability, EPDM or synthetic rubbers work well.
- For long-term outdoor exposure, silicone rubber outperforms EPDM and natural rubbers.
Elastostar Rubber Corporation: High-Quality, Long-Lasting Silicone Solutions
As a trusted silicone rubber manufacturer, it delivers high-performance, heat-resistant silicone elastomers customized for demanding industries.
Why Choose Us?
- Durable & Heat-Resistant – Our silicone rubber withstands up to 300°C (572°F) for long-lasting performance.
- Superior Silicone Safety – Compliant with FDA, RoHS, and industrial standards.
- Custom Rubber Gaskets & Solutions: We design silicone products for automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Need reliable silicone rubber heat solutions? Choose Elastostar for quality, durability, and precision. Reach out to us today!
Recommended Reads
- Silicone vs Plastic: What Is the Difference?
- High-Temperature Grades of Rubber
- Comparing Different Types of Rubbers
Conclusion
The longevity of silicone rubber depends on heat resistance, environmental exposure, and material quality. Choosing the correct grades of silicone ensures durability in high-temperature applications, with some formulations lasting 10 to 50 years. Superior silicone heat resistance allows it to withstand up to 300°C (572°F), making it ideal for industrial sealing solutions like extruded gasket profiles.
Proper storage, regular maintenance, and selecting the right formulation can significantly extend its lifespan. Investing in high-quality silicone rubber enhances performance and reduces long-term costs. For durable and reliable solutions, trust Elastostar’s expertly engineered-silicone products.
FAQs
Is Silicone a Rubber or Plastic?
Silicone is a synthetic rubber, not plastic. It combines the flexibility of rubber with the durability and heat resistance of high-performance materials, making it ideal for seals, gaskets, and rubber edge trim.
How Long Does Silicone Rubber Last?
Depending on the grade and application, silicone rubber can last 10 to 50 years. High-quality formulations provide excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering, making them ideal for long-term use.
Does Silicone Rubber Withstand High Temperatures?
Yes, silicone rubber heat resistance is excellent, withstanding -60°C to 300°C (-76°F to 572°F). Some high-performance grades of silicone can tolerate even higher temperatures for short periods.
What Are the Common Uses of Silicone Rubber?
Silicone is widely used in automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications. Due to its durability and chemical resistance, it’s perfect for extruded gasket profiles, high-temperature seals, and flexible components.
Is Silicone Rubber Safe for Industrial and Medical Use?
Yes, silicone safety is a key benefit. It is non-toxic, chemically stable, and compliant with FDA and RoHS standards, making it suitable for food-grade, medical, and high-performance industrial applications.
Why Choose Silicone Over Traditional Rubber?
Silicone outperforms natural and synthetic rubbers in heat resistance, UV stability, and chemical durability. While it may have a higher cost and lower elasticity, its long lifespan and superior performance make it the best choice for demanding applications. Contact us today for custom rubber gaskets, extruded gasket profiles, and high-performance rubber edge trim!
