New elastomers from Shin-Etsu combine skin-like feel with toughness

You could be in for a good scare at NPE2015 if you visit the booth of Shin-Etsu Silicones of America (Akron, OH; #W787), a supplier of silicone materials to a swathe of industries, including medical technology. The company will feature its recently introduced Select-Skin RTV elastomer series at the show, a skin-like material with tough performance properties that can be used to frightening effect to fabricate masks for movies, animatronic skins for use in theme parks, and other forms of entertainment. The material's properties are also desirable in orthopedic applications.

Select-Skin RTV elastomers come in a super soft 1:1 ratio formulation and rougher 10:1 ratio version. Both formulations are two-component, heat- and addition-cured silicone rubber compounds that exhibit low hardness, high tear strength, low viscosity and tackiness, and high elongation properties. They have a dry, non-oily skin-like feel.

A notable advantage of the material in prosthetic applications, according to Shin-Etsu, is the distribution of peak socket pressure that extends insulation compared with alternative products.

When used to fabricate orthopedic liners, the elastomers provide protection from shear forces to reduce compressive stress and improve suspension of the prosthetic device. The materials also accommodate unique limb shapes and volume fluctuations.

Pigments can be added to the translucent material to customize its appearance.

Fast cure time at room temperature reduces cycle time and productivity, and the material has up to 160 minutes pot life.