MATERIALS: NuSil Technology LLC announced the release of R-2182. This curable coating is designed to alleviate surface tackiness and blocking (sticking to themselves by virtue of chemical affinity) in applications in which silicones come in contact with each other or other surfaces, such as precision molded parts, molded rubber stoppers, O-rings, gaskets, accordions or cables/cable coatings. R-2182 can also be used to control the flow of hydrophilic fluids.
Silicone elastomers inherently have a high degree of surface tack which can present problems when storing, especially in cases where the silicone is likely to fold and unfold or spool together. R-2182 decreases the coefficient of friction of a cured silicone surface by at least 50 percent as compared to a non-coated silicone surface, so it is very well suited for these situations. In addition, it reduces the surface energy for masking by approximately 50 percent and has a high contact angle of 123 degrees.
R-2182 is a two-part, low-coefficient of friction silicone coating dispersed in xylene. A thin coat of R-2182 cures rapidly with elevated temperatures and, once cured, it chemically bonds to the silicone elastomer substrate, mimicking its mechanical properties. The result is a smooth and durable, yet flexible, coating that resists abrasion, stiction and friction from moving, sliding and rubbing parts.
-Edited by Kelsey Anderson