Options for Reducing Friction When Using Silicone Elastomers

Silicone has a long and proven history of use with medical devices and can provide many benefits, from flexibility to cushioning. When working with some medical devices, however, silicones can present challenges due to an inherent surface tack. The surface of cured silicone elastomers is sometimes characterized by a high coefficient of friction (CoF), some degree of tackiness, and a tendency for blocking (sticking to itself by virtue of chemical affinity). These characteristics may need to be addressed in applications that require a molded or extruded silicone component to move or slide with minimal friction. Blocking is particularly evident in slit valves, for example, where the two sides of the silicone part touch each other and “heal,” or close the slit.