The CHT Group has recently developed the SilSo Clear 21002 which is a platinum cure, highly transparent liquid silicone rubber (LSR) designed for injection molding applications.
Due to its non-yellowing properties, this product is ideal for optical applications such as lenses, lightguides and LEDs. Its resistance to ultraviolet (UV), temperature and moisture enables this material to perform under environmental conditions of automotive and outdoor lighting applications.
“SilSo Clear 21002 has been subject to more than 5,000 hours of UV and thermal accelerated aging testing with excellent results. The material is low viscosity and fast curing which makes this new product ideal for pour-in-place or injection molding,” stated Mr. Phil McDermott, CTO at CHT USA. “The ease of processing coupled with excellent physical properties and remarkably stable optics affords an ideal choice for challenging optical applications.”
Compared to glass, this product is a lighter weight alternative. When compared to other polymers traditionally used for optical applications, such as polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), SilSo Clear 21002 offers a wider temperature range of use and superior flexibility which imparts impact resistance.
The cured silicone retains high transparency even in thick-walled geometries. It is also abrasion-resistant and will perform as a protective barrier against moisture and debris when cased over LEDs.