From medical devices seals to implantable technologies, silicone rubber materials have been steadily gaining ground in the high-performance life sciences market. Their unmatched properties, make them an ideal go-to material for critical applications.

But how do they hold up under extreme conditions like repeated sterilization? A key requirement in medical environments.

A recent study led by Technetics Group and the MAPIEM laboratory from University of Toulon dives deep into this very question.

The research focused on a silica-filled silicone rubber, a go-to formulation for sealing applications. The research team subjected it to intense ageing cycles: alternating between vacuum and high-pressure steam, replicating in-service sterilization procedures, typical of those used in medical facilities.

Key Findings

Breaking away from conventional understanding, silicone rubber undergoes not only polymer network transformations, including hydrolytic chain scission and reverse recombination, but also substantial rearrangements at silica-polymer interfaces where new covalent bonds replace initial physical interactions.

This study provides deeper insight into the degradation pathways of silica-filled silicone rubber. Understanding these changes helps engineers select suitable raw material to design longer lasting, and more durable seals for:

• Medical sterilization equipments
• Life sciences facilities
• High-performance industrial devices

Enabling a full control of every step of the value chain, from raw material selection to transformation and final assembly.

Technetics Group’s Expertise

Technetics Group’s contribution to this research showcases its leadership in materials sciences and its commitment to innovation to meet the requirements of extreme environments. By combining advanced testing methods like Solid NMR, NH3 modified swelling, TGA, and FTIR…with real-world simulations, the team has set a new benchmark in understanding silicone rubber degradation mechanisms.

Curious to unlock deeper insights into how silicone rubber degrades under steam at a micromolecular scale ?

Check out our latest paper published in Polymer Degradation and Stability, Elsevier: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111332