While the 2438 adhesive is addition-curing, it is not a gel but a silicone rubber. It is cured at 80 to 120 °C after the A and B components have been mixed. The resulting elastomer, according to Wacker, is a medium-hard elastomer that has a value of 38 on the ISO 868 measure of silicone hardness. Officials note that the material has a high tensile strength and a high tear strength. It reportedly can be stretched up to 400 percent of its original length.
These properties make the 2438 adhesive well suited for immobilizing cured silicone rubbers and for flexible bonding of textile surfaces, according to the company. The new adhesive can bond molded parts made from these materials without the need for priming. Due to its high tear strength, the cured silicone adhesive layer can tolerate high levels of mechanical stress, including that generated when bonded parts rub against each other. The adhesive can be used to create highly flexible bonds between molded silicone parts and textiles for use in prosthetics and orthotics. It is pourable and can be processed both manually and in semi-automated processes. In addition, it has a pot life of one hour at room temperature and cures to a translucent elastomer without releasing any by-products.
The company claims that none of the products in the Silpuran line have organic plasticizers and stabilizers in their content.
More info: (888) 922-5374; www.wacker.com