Where is homemade polymer used?
This material is used in almost every area of human life - for household purposes, in construction, manufacturing, medicine. Silicone has earned popularity due to its characteristics that are not available in analogues. The substance helps reduce or increase adhesion processes and add hydrophobicity to the object.
The substance retains its basic properties even in extreme conditions - at high, low temperatures, and high humidity. The following qualities of the material should be noted:
- bioinertness;
- good elasticity;
- long operating time;
- environmental friendliness.
In industry, liquids and silicone emulsions are good anti-adhesive lubricants, which are used for large-sized molds, the manufacture of lubricants, cooling, shock-absorbing compounds, and sealants. Silicone defoamers are very popular.
Silicone is used to create bushings, gaskets, rings, cuffs, plugs, as well as other special parts that can be used at temperatures from minus 60 to plus 200 degrees.
A few more qualities inherent in the composition are resistance to:
- radiation;
- sea water;
- sun rays;
- alcohol;
- alkalis, acids;
- boiling water;
- mineral oils;
- electrical discharges.
Silicones are available for sale in a wide range, but some craftsmen prefer to make them themselves. This allows you to cut costs and express your creativity.
Making your own silicone can be done using several methods. But the resulting substance is not identical in properties to the purchased one. Homemade mixtures are inferior in quality to factory samples, and can only be used at home.
How to create a matrix for casting: some tips
Before you start creating the matrix, you will need to prepare a container for subsequent work. The assembly box will simplify the process of removing the part. There should be no gaps in the container because the potting compound may leak.
Before placing the composition in a container, it is coated with a separator - a soap or greasy solution. If a matrix is required for a vertical product, it is first attached to the bottom of the container using plasticine. Then the substance is poured around. The material must be poured in a thin stream until it completely covers the figure. Then the container is hermetically sealed, you need to wait 15 minutes. As a result, the container is disassembled, and the silicone should no longer stick to your hands.
Creating a Matrix
The composition of the filling substance includes:
- hardener;
- silicone paste.
This composition makes it possible to cast any shape. But the result is not exactly silicone, but something resembling rubber.
