Chemical resistance is one of the core properties of thermal conductive silicone cloth, a performance attributed to its inherent chemical structure and process design. This material utilizes a glass fiber cloth substrate coated or calendered with a silicone rubber layer. Its Si-O backbone structure imparts exceptional chemical inertness. This structure renders thermal conductive silicone cloth resistant to chemical reactions with most acids, bases, salts, and organic solvents, maintaining stable physical properties. For example, in highly corrosive environments such as petrochemicals and power electronics, it can be used long-term as pipe compensators and equipment gaskets, effectively isolating corrosive media from metal components and extending equipment life.
The risk of coolant corrosion on thermal conductive silicone cloth requires analysis of its specific composition. Traditional coolants are primarily composed of an ethylene glycol-water mixture supplemented with additives such as corrosion inhibitors and anti-foaming agents. The silicone rubber layer of thermal conductive silicone cloth exhibits excellent resistance to ethylene glycol, water, and most corrosion inhibitors (such as nitrates and nitrites), and short-term exposure does not cause swelling or degradation. However, coolants containing strong oxidizing substances (such as high concentrations of chloride ions) or additives with extreme pH values may disrupt the silicon-oxygen bonds on the silicone rubber surface, causing slight swelling or hardness changes. In practical applications, compatibility testing is required to verify the long-term stability of the material with the specific coolant system.
The aggressiveness of industrial solvents varies significantly, and the resistance of thermal conductive silicone cloth depends on the solvent type and exposure conditions. Non-polar solvents (such as mineral oil and silicone oil) are relatively compatible with silicone rubber and do not cause significant damage even in short-term contact. Polar solvents (such as acetone and methanol) may penetrate and destroy the cross-linking structure between silicone rubber molecular chains, resulting in a decrease in hardness or loss of elasticity. Furthermore, halogenated solvents (such as trichloroethylene) or highly polar solvents (such as dimethylformamide) may accelerate material aging, causing cracking or powdering. In applications such as electronics manufacturing and automotive repair, if solvents are required to clean the surface of thermal conductive silicone cloth, low-polarity, low-corrosive isopropyl alcohol or specialized electronics cleaners should be preferred, and the cleaning time and temperature should be controlled.
Temperature and pressure are key environmental factors affecting the rate of chemical corrosion. High temperatures accelerate the thermal motion of solvent molecules, enhancing their ability to penetrate and dissolve silicone rubber. High pressure can force corrosive media to penetrate deeper into the material, expanding the scope of damage. For example, in an engine compartment or high-temperature industrial piping, if thermal conductive silicone cloth is exposed to temperatures above 150°C and in contact with coolant for extended periods, its corrosion resistance can decrease by 20%-30% compared to ambient conditions. Therefore, during design, it is important to select materials with a temperature rating that matches the actual operating conditions, and to enhance corrosion resistance by increasing coating thickness or adding anti-corrosion additives.
Material modification is an important means of improving the chemical corrosion resistance of thermal conductive silicone cloth. The introduction of fluorine (such as fluorinated silicone rubber) or nanofillers (such as fumed silica) can significantly enhance the chemical stability and density of silicone rubber. Fluorinated materials exhibit a 3-5 times greater resistance to most organic solvents and maintain stable performance even at temperatures up to 200°C. Nanofillers fill microscopic pores, reducing the penetration pathways for corrosive media and extending the material's service life. In addition, a surface coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ceramic can further isolate corrosive media, making it suitable for use in extreme chemical environments.
In practical applications, the chemical resistance of thermal conductive silicone cloth must be verified through standardized testing. Common testing methods include immersion testing (exposing the material to a specific solvent for 72-168 hours and observing changes in appearance and performance), salt spray testing (simulating marine environments to assess the material's resistance to chloride ions), and thermal aging testing (combining high temperature with chemical media to accelerate the material aging process). These tests can quantify the material's corrosion rate under different operating conditions, providing data support for selection and design.
Thermal conductive silicone cloth has excellent overall chemical resistance, meeting the requirements of most industrial scenarios. In coolant and industrial solvent environments, its resistance depends on the media composition, temperature, pressure, and degree of material modification. Through appropriate material selection, process optimization, and environmental control, the material's service life can be maximized, ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment. For extreme corrosive conditions, customized development based on the specific application scenario is recommended to meet higher corrosion resistance requirements.
