Reduce Exposure to Crystalline Silica By Substitution with Fused Silica in Silicones

This poster comparatively studies fused and crystalline silica in Dow Corning silicone elastomers used in common sealing applications. Fused silica is a new technology from 3M^tm that contains 100% amorphous silica. Its low surface area and behavior mimics that of crystalline silica, and thus many similar compound attributes are expected. With this in mind, physical properties of silicone will be analyzed to determine deterioration resistance of vulcanized samples at high temperatures, and determine physical properties while maintaining processability.

It is important to consider the relevance of amorphous silicas such as fused silica. At present, government regulations require employers to conduct their business in a way where workers are not expose to dangers to their health or safety. In the rubber industry, a common concern is the effect of exposure to crystalline silica. Studies with exposure to crystalline silica show that these materials can lead to a condition called "silicosis" and OSHA is currently issuing regulations in minimizing exposure limits in worker safety.