Wacker launches transparent liquid silicones for optical products

MUNICH-WACKER focuses on its liquid silicone elastomer portfolio and especially on its LUMISIL LR 7600 product range at this year’s Fakuma international tradeshow for plastics processing. The range consists of liquid silicone rubber grades that cure to form highly transparent elastomers. The cured rubber grades are crystal clear, can withstand high thermal stress and can be cost-effectively injection-molded on a large scale. The product line is ideal for the manufacture of lenses and other optical elements in lighting technology. Fakuma takes place in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 14 to 18.

When lamps or lighting systems have to be produced in large quantities, transparent silicones offer advantages over conventional optical materials. For this reason, Wacker developed its new LUMISIL LR 7600 product line for the manufacture of optical components.

With these highly transparent liquid silicones, cost-efficient, large-scale production of high-quality optical components is achieved. LUMISIL LR 7600 rubber features exceptionally high transparency and allows visible light to pass through virtually unhindered. At the same time, it is able to withstand prolonged exposure to temperatures of up to 180°C. Unlike highly transparent thermoplastics such as polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate, LUMISIL LR 7600 does not tend to yellow. The cured rubber remains colourless even at high temperatures and under long-term exposure to artificial or natural light, including ultraviolet radiation. The elastomers are resistant to aging and weathering and are electrically insulating, water-repellent and low-temperature flexible. Wacker’s exhibit at Fakuma 2014 is located at Hall A6, Booth 6414.