Growth Areas for Silicone Manufacturers

With a projected investment of $1.2 trillion, domestic manufacturers of silicone elastomers can help modernize and financially benefit from funding in renewable energy infrastructure projects. Silicone compounders, transfer molders, injection molders, extruders, calendars, and compression molders may have investment opportunities to help support the following infrastructure projects:
 

• Broadband Internet: The infrastructure bill includes $65 billion to bolster the country's broadband infrastructure and help ensure that every American has access to high-speed internet.
• Electric Grid and Energy: $108 billion are allocated to the country's electricity grid, with thousands of miles of new transmission lines and funds for environmentally friendly smart-grid technology.
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: In addition to $7.5 billion for the nation's first network of electric vehicle chargers along highway corridors, lawmakers have shored up $5 billion for zero-emission buses (including thousands of electric school buses) and $2.5 billion for ferries.
• Modern Infrastructure: Around $42 billion will be granted toward shipping ports, airports, and freight infrastructure to drive renewable energy alternatives such as electrification and other low-carbon technologies.
• Clean Energy Transmission: More than $65 billion will be devoted to the Department of Energy's focus on clean energy transmission and the electric grid. The Clean Energy Infrastructure Program is focused on carbon management and creating a more secure energy infrastructure.

Momentive Performance Silicone Solutions

Momentive silicone materials are versatile solutions for renewable energy applications as possible replacements for ceramic materials when utilizing medium- and high-voltage technology. Momentive performance solutions generally are lighter and require less maintenance. They have improved hydrophobicity, erosion resistance, ease of processing, and outstanding service life.

Typical silicone renewable energy applications:
 

High-voltage insulators Cable accessories Terminations/cable joints Breakers/disconnect switches Surge arrestors Wires and cables Gaskets and seals Connectors Solar inverter enclosure gaskets

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)

Momentive Silopren™ 2000 series are a class of versatile liquid silicone rubbers (LSR). Silopren™ LSR materials are two-component, platinum (addition/heat) curable and pumpable silicones that can be molded and cured with high-speed cycle times at thermally elevated temperatures.

The molding process allows complex part geometry and exact dimensions when required, enabling short-cycle-time injection and fully automatic flashless and trim-free manufacturing.

This family of products can offer the following:

• Fast cycle times
• High clarity and transparency
• Increased tear strength
• Self-bonding capabilities (primerless adhesion)
• Wide range of durometer and hardness
• Self-lubricating properties
• Electrical conductivity

Heat Cured Rubber (HCR)

The Silplus™ HCR portfolio is comprises ready-to-use compounds for extruders and molders who that require durability and outstanding mechanical performance standards.

Silplus™ HCR grades offer the following renewable energy benefits:

• Enhanced mechanical performance
• High clarity
• Low hysteresis and high resilience coupled with a low compression set for highly automated operations
• One-component, ready-to-use options
• A broad range of durometers
• High-performance dielectric strength
• Thermal management

Solar Panels

Momentive silicone elastomers offer a range of advantages in solar applications, such as excellent adhesion properties, allowing them to bond well with various substrates, including glass and metal. They have good thermal stability and weather resistance, meaning they can withstand high temperatures and outdoor environments without degrading. In addition to their use in encapsulation, silicone elastomers are also used in other photovoltaic solar–related applications. For example, they can be used as seals for solar water heaters or in-manufacturing solar panel mounting systems.

Relevant benefits of Momentive silicones in solar include:

• Easy processing
• No release of corrosive volatiles
• Adhesion to typical PV substrates
• Long-term thermal resistance from weathering and sunlight

Momentive performance silicone elastomers are commonly used in manufacturing solar panels as encapsulant materials, cables, wires, gaskets, seals, and seams. These materials protect solar cells from environmental factors, such as moisture and UV radiation, and ensure their long-term performance. Furthermore, silicone elastomers play an essential role in producing solar panels, helping to ensure their long-term reliability and efficiency.

Wind Energy

Silicone rubber is used in various wind energy applications, particularly in producing wind energy systems. One of its primary uses in wind energy is to protect against harsh weatherability factors, such as UV radiation, temperature extremes, dust, and moisture.
 

Overall, silicone elastomers play an essential role in the performance and longevity of wind energy systems, helping to ensure their reliability and efficiency.
 

Summary

Temperature resistance, electrical insulation, durability, and weather resistance are just a few examples of how Momentive Ssilicones are used in manufacturing renewable energy infrastructure applications. Talk to one of our technical specialists today about which Momentive grade works best for your energy application.