In the field of material applications, the surface properties of materials often determine their actual usage effects and application scopes. As a widely used polymer material, silicone rubber can be endowed with more unique properties through surface modification technologies to meet the diverse needs of different fields. In recent years, the surface modification technologies of silicone rubber have shown a diversified development trend, providing a broad space for its application expansion.

Plasma treatment is a commonly used method for surface modification of silicone rubber. By placing silicone rubber in a plasma environment, high-energy particles in the plasma interact with the surface molecules of the silicone rubber, triggering a series of physical and chemical changes. For example, under the action of low-temperature plasma, the chemical bonds on the surface of the silicone rubber are broken, forming free radicals. These free radicals can react with the active species in the plasma, introducing new functional groups such as hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups on the surface. After the introduction of hydroxyl groups, the hydrophilicity of the silicone rubber surface is significantly improved, which has important application value in the medical field. For instance, for the silicone rubber used to manufacture urinary catheters, after plasma surface modification, the hydrophilicity is enhanced, which can effectively reduce the adhesion and crystallization of urine on the catheter surface, reduce the risk of infection, and improve the comfort and safety for patients.
Another important surface modification strategy is chemical grafting. Researchers graft molecular segments with specific functions onto the surface of silicone rubber through specific chemical reactions. For example, using the hydrosilylation reaction, monomers containing fluoroalkyl groups are grafted onto the surface of silicone rubber. Fluoroalkyl groups have an extremely low surface energy, endowing the modified silicone rubber surface with excellent anti-fouling properties. This anti-fouling silicone rubber can be applied to products such as sealing strips for building exterior walls and insulating protective sleeves for outdoor electrical equipment. In outdoor environments, its surface is not easily stained with dust, dirt, and water stains formed by rain. While maintaining a clean appearance, it can also extend the service life of the product and reduce maintenance costs.
Coating technology is also a commonly used means for surface modification of silicone rubber. By coating a layer of coating with special properties on the surface of silicone rubber, the optimization of its surface properties can be achieved. For example, coating an antibacterial coating containing nano-silver particles can endow silicone rubber with good antibacterial properties. In the fields of sealing parts for food processing equipment and kitchen utensils, antibacterial silicone rubber can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, ensuring food safety and hygiene. In addition, by using a coating containing fluorescent substances to treat the surface of silicone rubber, silicone rubber products with fluorescent marking functions can be prepared, which are easy to identify in dark environments or complex industrial scenarios, facilitating the installation, maintenance, and management of equipment.
In addition, laser treatment, as an emerging surface modification technology, is gradually attracting attention. The high energy density of the laser can cause the surface of the silicone rubber to heat up, melt, and even vaporize instantaneously in a local area, thus changing the microstructure and chemical composition of the surface. A micro-nano structure can be formed on the surface of the silicone rubber after laser treatment. Combined with the change in surface chemical composition, the surface wettability, friction properties, etc. can be precisely regulated. For example, laser micro-structuring treatment on the silicone rubber surface used for automotive engine gaskets can reduce the friction coefficient between the gasket and the contacting parts while maintaining the sealing performance, reducing energy loss and component wear, and improving the overall performance and reliability of the engine.


Temperature resistant and flame retardant coated liquid silicone rubber