Delivering

Silicones your
potential

Bluesil

True to the original

in every detail

www.silicones.elkem.com
 Elkem Silicones
General Introduction

What can Elkem Silicones

do for you?
Elkem Silicones is one of the world’s leading fully integrated silicone
manufacturers with applications and research laboratories, production
sites and sales offices located around the world.

We focus on developing state-of-the-art application expertise to help our customers

challenge their boundaries.
At Elkem Silicones, we are more than just high quality silicone products. We are
dedicated people committed to your success. From technical support to customized
formulations and regulatory support, Elkem Silicones has the people in place when and
where you need them.

We are a Team of We are Powered We bring Agile Because We Care

Professionnals by Passion Innovative Solutions

We are proud
to present our range
of Silicone molding
materials

2 3
 Elkem Silicones
General Introduction

True to the original… ... our technology makes

the difference!
More than 50 years ago, Elkem Silicones developed the BluesilTM RTV2-range Global presence
for the moldmaking market. As a global leader in the moldmaking silicones Elkem Silicones is present worldwide, with a strong industrial base in Europe and China.
market, Elkem Silicones offers a complete line of innovative silicones RTV-2 With Silicon metal from Norway and its two major intermediates production sites for
upstream applications in Roussillon in France and in Xinghuo in China, we provide the group
products to meet your various moldmaking needs. with some important geographical anchor-points. Elkem Silicones also produces in Spain,
Germany, Italy, United States and Brazil.

Innovations
For Elkem Silicones, innovation is the basis for the development of new products and services.
We want to offer a competitive advantage to our partners and customers through a large
range of technologies and applications.
We respond efficiently and rapidly to customers’ needs.
Elkem Silicones developped a new range fully dedicated to composite manufacturing.
This demonstrates our commitment to the moldmaking market and our willingness to enter
into new application fields.

Technical Service close to the customers!

Elkem Silicones technical service is ready to suggest the best moldmaking product that fulfills
not only the technical requirements but also optimize the economics of the production cycle
in which the molds are to be used.
This is possible through the accurate evaluation of customer needs, combined with a strong
and long term experience of all the materials and processes used in moldmaking productions.
We are available in our laboratory to assist you with advice concerning our materials in use
in your applications taking into account the specific additional variables that differ from
customer to customer.
Close collaboration With such a customer-focused technical assistance the RTV-2 that fits all customer
Supporting our customers daily, constantly seeking progress and respect for commitments requirements will be identified. Elkem Silicones support continues as required also out of the
made, all Elkem Silicones’ employees are aware of the need to put their skills, knowledges, R&D laboratory, by showing at the customer facility the best practices to work with the RTV-2
know-how and motivation to daily use in order to offer suitable products and solutions with product, from the moldmaking process to the use of the obtained mold, exploiting the full
the aim of continuously improving quality and listening to their customers’ needs. potential of each grade.

4 5
 Elkem Silicones
General Introduction

6 7
01 Elkem Silicones

01
General Molding

Silicones solutions
for General Molding
In the general molding segment you find a vast variation of applications.
Discuss your ideas with our selling team and we will provide you the support
needed to see your project take off.

General molding performance attributes

• Unbeatable reproduction fidelity of details
• Long mold durability
• Room temperature moldmaking
• Good fluidity
• Excellent flexibility
• Easy processing
• Self releasing molds
• High resistance to PU resins
• Large choice of hardnesses and always excellent mechanical properties
• Large choice of catalysts which allows fullfillment of requirements for various applications.

A summary of the various applications

Food molding: safe Artistic founderies: we • Lipstick molding:

materials for molding of work with the excellence with excellent resistance
sugar or chocolate for among the professionals to chemicals
professionals as well as in this demanding • Figurine molding: with
hobbyists business outstanding library
life and best in class
performance of our
product range
• Film set moldings:
flexibility, performance
and service
Special effects: our Jewelry molding: • Hobby market: safe
partners supply the precision is the state materials for use of non
product you need of art! professionals
where you need it • High resistance PU
when you need it molding: for extra
performance and longer
General Molding lasting molds
These applications can
an unlimited field of mostly be covered by
opportunities the following product
descriptions.

8 9
01 Elkem Silicones
General Molding

Elkem Silicones RTV-2 for general moulding is about high fidelity and reliable Polyaddition
reproduction of chosen objects and multiple copies using the same silicone mould. Polyaddition curing grades complete the range where high performance is required.

Elkem Silicones offers a broad range of hardnesses and curing kinetics to meet the high Viscosity Color Pot-life Demol. Tear Res. Tensile Elong. at
Product ShA
requirements of moldmaking. Two technologies are proposed: (mPas) A/B once mixed (min) Time (h) (KN/m) Res. (MPa) break (%)
RTV 3503 2000 Colorless (Blue) 20 1 3 4 1,5 500

RTV 3619 2000 Trans (Blue) 5 30 min 10 1,5 4 400

Polycondensation

Polyaddition Curing
RTV 3410 10000/3000 Colorless (purple) 10 35 min 12 4 2 200
Polycondensation curing grades, historically known for classical moldmaking, are at the highest level of
development aiming at the longest resistance (mechanical/chemical) and the low inhibition sensibility. RTV 3512NB 9000/5000 White 75 6 12 20 4.5 800

When selecting the suited Bluesil catalyst the choice can be made according to the used
TM
RTV 3428 25000/8000 White 60 16 28 20 7.5 600
reproduction material but also the best suited curing time.
RTV 3542 HV 23000/23000 Colorless (Blue) 10 1 42 10 4.5 250

Bluesil™ RTV RTV 3450 40000/200 Beige/Black 90 16 50 8 5 300

Kinetic RTV 3460 95000/5000 Grey 210 16 60 25 6.0 230
3318 3330 3335
V1065 3310 3318 3322 3325 3325 P 3330
SPU SPU SPU
Aspect Paste NB = Non Bleeding HV = High Viscosity

Bluesil™ Catalyst Color White White White Beige White White Grey White White White

Catalyst Main Viscosity 60K 25K 25K 35K 35K 35K Paste 35K 35K
(color) Feature Food Molding
Cata 24H Multipurpose PL 120 140 150 180 120 120 150 150 For Food Molding we have a dedicated range with a documented advantage in relation
(trans)
DT 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 to multiple countries regulations.
Cata 6H Multipurpose PL 40 40 40 60 40 40 50 40
(trans) fast curing Food Viscosity Tear Tensile
DT 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Color once Pot-life Demolding Elongation Food contact
contact Color (mPas) ShA Resist. Resist.
mixed (min) time (h) at break (%) regulations
Cata 2H Multipurpose PL 15 15 15 25 20 15 25 20 Products A/B (KN/m) (Mpa)
(red) very fast curing RTV 3428 Pink, 25000/ Pink, white, 60 16 28 20 7.5 600 EU (1), (2),
DT 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
A&B white, 8000 colorless (3)
Cata 83# Paste PL 90 trans
(yellow)
DT 24 RTV 3536P Green Paste Light green 8 30 35 4 0.8 EU (1), (3),
A&B (4)
Cata SPE Resistance PL 90 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
(yellowish) to PES RTV 3460 White/ 95000/ Grey 210 16 60 25 6 230 US (3)
DT 24 24 24 24 24 24 24
A&B Black 5000
Cata SPU Resistance PL 140 140 140
(yellowish) to PUR
DT 24 24 24 (1) France: Journal Officiel; Brochure 1227
(2) Germany: BGA, Chapter XV-A
Hi-Pro PL 5 (3) United States: FDA Regulations, CFR-21
Blue (4) BfR
DT 16
In all cases the mold manufacturers must test that the molds, in their future conditions of use, satisfy the EEC
PL = Pot-Life (min) DT = Demolding Time (h) directive relative to migration tests: European Directive 93/8/EEC.

10 11
01 Elkem Silicones
General Molding

Polyurethane Casting
Elkem Silicones has very efficient polycondensation grades
with high resistance to polyurethane resins.
Infrared analysis of molds cast-after-cast: intensity of PU band over
silicone band as measure of PU diffusion into the molds.
How would you like
to replicate?
Mold surface
Comparative stats showed that Cata SPU produces molds IR Absorbance
torn off
Start of mold
0,12
that resist considerably longer to polyurethane resins than deterioration

molds made with standard catalysts.

0,08

PU/SIL
Benchmark vs standard catalysts Artificial wood Dedicated grades for polyurethane casting
0,04

Artificial stone Architectural molding with plaster casting

If the question is “how many copies”,
Casting experiments using a solvent-free PUR resin 0,00
Metal manufact Temperature resistant RTV-2 solutions the answer is BluesilTM Moldmaking
(15 castings/day, T-peak = 110°C) 15 20 25 30 35 40 50
PU casts Solutions.
Fiber-reinforced resin Composite molding grades or special catalysts (SPE/SPU)
RESISTANCE to PUR of molds made with RTV 3330SPU + 5% of:
3330SPU 3330SPU 3330SPU Wax Wax General purpose grades
Ref. Cata
+ SPU + Cata 24H + ref. Cata
Cata SPE
Cata SPU

Castings*: 31 38 46 54 61 69 77 85 92 100 108 116 123

* Referred to max castings achieved with reference catalyst (normalized to 100) Range of additives for polycondensation curing
Legenda: RTV 33--SPU range offers the versatility of using standard catalysts Additive Feature Usage level Special notice
Mold disposed Mold broken & Cata SPU
Start of silicone leakage Normal use In a moldmaking workshop, it is ideal to have one high performance Additive PC-Thixo Imparts thixotropic behavior 0.01 ÷ 0.1 % A/ To be used in addition to a catalyst
silicone and a set of catalysts with different properties: need a mold without changing pot-life B/ Do not use with 3318SPU, 3330SPU, 3335SPU
in an eyeshut to have a quick idea? RTV + Cata 2H.
PC-accelerator Shortens pot-life & demolding time 0.1 ÷ 0.5 % To be used in addition to the catalyst
The lower PU-signal of molds produced with Cata SPU agrees with
casting experiments demonstrating longer resistance of SPU molds. Instead of the usual polyurethane a new customer requires polyester PC-retarder Increases pot-life 0.1 ÷ 0.8 % To be used in addition to the catalyst xx
manufacts? RTV + Cata SPE.
Primer PM820 Adhesion promoter on aluminum, Thin layer on surface Works also for adhesion on cured
steel, wood, artificial resins polyaddition silicone
Product Selector Guide
Bluesil™
3255
3318 3325
3325P
3330 3335 3428 3460 3512NB 3530 3542HV 3619 Range of additives for polyaddition curing
RTV SPU 3322 SPU SPU A&B A&B A&B A&B A&B A&B

Cat 24H SPU PES P13 SPU SPU Additive Feature Usage level Special notice

Curing PC PC PC PC PC PC PA PA PA PA PA PA Additive PA Thixo Imparts thixotropic behavior 0.1 ÷ 0.5 % Do not use with pad printing range and 3433

PU Accelerator PA39 Shortens pot-life & demolding time 0.05 ÷ 0.5 % To be added to Pt-containing part
(foam)
Retarder PA40 Increases pot-life 0.1 ÷ 2 % To be added to part not containing
Casting material

PES
Primer PM820 Adhesion promoter on aluminum, Thin layer on surface Adhesion promotion works as result of both primers:
Epoxy Primer PM811 A&B steel, wood, artificial resins 1st treatment w. PM820, followed by PM811 A&B

Plaster CAF 3 Glue for cured silicones As needed For both polyaddition and polycondensation

Concrete Bluesil Silicone Used to clean and remove By immersion or by covering Please refer to SDS and TDS for accurate usage
Remover cured silicone products the silicone with wadding
Wax on various substrates or paper impregnated with
Bluesil Silicone Remover
Food

Dimensional stab.

Long term storage

Max service-T 150°C 60°C 60°C 60°C 60°C 60°C 200°C 200°C 200°C 200°C 200°C 200°C

12 13
02 Elkem Silicones
Construction & Architectural Molding

02 Elkem Silicones for construction

and architectural molding
In the architectural molding segment you find all the applications related to construction.

The most important parameters are:

• Ease of processing
• Resin resistance
• Low linear shrinkage
• Highly accurate reproduction
• High mechanical properties
• Easy demolding from vertically
developed shapes
• High compatibility with water rich casting materials (ie gypsum)
• Better compatibility to high performance concrete

Architectural Molding is the art of manufacturing construction pieces

They resemble high value materials – such as middle-age stones or marble - by using concrete or gypsum.
If a villa needs a facade made of middle-age stones, either every single stone is picked-up from
somewhere and assembled together, or the whole facade can be made as one piece: just by casting
a designed concrete formulation into a Silicone mold.
Silicone RTV-2 are the key to obtain an accurate copy of any model stone: the outstanding reproduction
Architectural molding
needs just 3 kind
of materials:
1. Model stones (either real
or artificial ones)
2. BluesilTM RTV-
2 silicone for
fidelity of every single detail leads to reproduced stones showing veins and microcraps, forcing moldmaking,
the observer to pass the finger onto such imitations to tell they do not come from the past middle age. to be casted onto the
model stones in order
Modern design wall decorations are also made from silicone molds. With the advantage of multiple to obtain their silicone
usage of molds and a perfect color reproduction. mold
3. A suitable concrete
Typical applications in the construction and architectural molding formulation, that once
casted and dried in
segment are: the silicone mold, will
look like exactly as the
We have a solid experience and we are looking forward to accompany you in your aim for excellence. model stone.

A world of precision,
and durability.
You find your solution
in our range.

14 Gypsum molding Architectural Molding Concrete molding 15

02 Elkem Silicones
Construction & Architectural Molding

Why choosing silicone

BluesilTM grades dedicated to architectural molding combine the unbeatable reproduction fidelity
of the silicone chemistry with the very high mechanical resistance and ease of processing required
by the application.

vs the PU alternative?
The artificial stones produced thanks to such Bluesil TM
RTV-2 products will show every single vein
of the original stone from which they replicate.

BluesilTM RTV Polyaddition

3428 3430 SB (1) 3512 NB (2) 3433 3436 Silicones RTV-2 PU

General Application All applications: from simple to complex forms Only flat products of simple geometry:
Special Feature Self Bleeding Very Soft High Resistance High Hardness with excellent reproduction fidelity panels, bricks, borders, ...
Purpose

Benefits High mechanical Self releasing Easy demolding Better compatibility High dimensional Processing No H&S issues for skin contact or skin touch Toxic due to certain components of PU
properties molds from vertically to high performance stability (self No heat evolution upon curing Sensible to humidity
developed shapes concretes supporting molds) Mix of 2 parts with a ratio of 1:1 or 10:1 Very exothermic curing
Mix of 2 parts with various mix ratio possibilities
Mix Ratio 10:1 10:1 1:1 10:1 10:1 (depending on grade)

Hardness Sh.A 28 30 12 30 35 Chemical & Mechanical Intrinsic release properties Need of treatment with release agents before each
Properties Neglectible shrinkage casting
Working Time (min) 60 90 60 90 150 Weathering resistant (molds can be stored outdoors) Hydrolizable, oxidizable and UV-yellowing

Setting Time (h) 16 16 6 6 16

Viscosity A (mPa.s) 25000 25000 9000 25000 20000

Viscosity B (mPa.s) 8000 2500 7000 10000 7000 Users have to perform preliminary tests in order to check the compatibility between the silicone
mold and the reproduction material in use and so assess the durability performance of the silicone
Color A+B White Grey White Colorless Red or colorless
mold. These preliminary tests must be performed every time a new reproduction material is to be
Tensile Strength (MPa) 7.5 6.0 4.5 6.0 6.0 used with the mold.
Elongation at Break (%) 600 450 800 450 400 Elkem Silicones guarantees only the sales specifications of the BluesilTM RTV-2 product, but cannot
guarantee its compatibility with reproduction materials.
Tear Strength (KN/m) 20 20 20 15 18

(1) SB = Self Bleeding

(2) NB = Non Bleeding

Selection guide
Bluesil™ RTV 3428 A&B 3430 SB A&B 3512 NB A&B 3433 A&B 3436 A&B

Standard construction
materials (gypsum, plaster, ...)

High performance concrete

Vertical shapes (pillars)

Artificial resins

16 17
03 Elkem Silicones
Rapid Prototyping

03 Rapid prototyping
and composite materials
manufacturing
Rapid prototyping
Our BluesilTM RTV 3040 family is a market reference since many years.
It has the qualities needed for a best in class product:
• Very good transparency even after several molds
• Exceptional mechanical properties
• Long moldlife
• Accurate reproduction details
• No shrinkage upon cure
• Free matching within product range
• Chemical resistance, easy mold release

Glass-like transparent silicone molds for

rapid prototyping
Moldmaking at room temperature for rapid prototyping
High transparency grades will not hide the object inside the mold. Reproducing with artificial resins
(PU, Epoxy, PES) will not detriment mold quality. Pulling the object out of the mold will not damage
the mold. All of this is RTV 3040 family.

Silicone range for rapid prototyping

3040 A
Bluesil™ RTV A
Bluesil™ RTV B
3040 3040 SB 3040 HARD 3040 1:1 3040QC

Special Feature Standard Self-bleeding Higher hardness 1:1 mix ratio Quick cure

Mix ratio A:B 10:1 10:1 10:1 1:1 10:1

Probably one
Hardness (Sh.A) 38 38 44 37 36
of the worlds best
Working Time (min) 75 75 75 60 50
transparencies
Demolding Time (h) 12 12 24 12 6
in prototyping casting.
Mix Viscosity (mPa.s) 42000 42000 42000 56000 42000

Tensile Strength (MPa) 5.2 5.2 5.5 5.5 5.5

Elong. at Break (%) 350 350 330 400 300

Tear Strentgh (KN/m) 19 19 22 22 20

18 19
03 Elkem Silicones
Pressure and Resin infusion molding

Silicone pressure intensifiers Silicones for composite

for thermal expansion molding materials manufacturing –
Thermal expansion molding is a low-cost manufacturing method for fabricating fiber- reinforced-
resin composite structures. In its simplest form, the tooling is self-pressurized by thermal expansion
of solid silicone blocks inside a closed hard mold box.
vacuum resin infusion bag
BluesilTM RTV 3428 (see main characteristics of this material in the general molding sheet) When naming Silicone to the composite industry, The preparation of a vacuum bag with silicone
can easily do the job: thanks to its volumetric thermal expansion coefficient of about 5*10-4 /°C the term was initially linked to “anti-adherence” is just different: you make one bag for several
and a young modulus of about 1MPa, the elastomer allows for a pressure increase of about 0.05 bar or “no paintability”. production cycles. If the silicone bag is good,
every 10°C of heating. the economical return is granted! After spraying
BluesilTM RTV 3720 could make a mind- change
when its 0,5 mm-thick film could be stretched up or casting RTV 3720, you may need to reinforce
High to 5 times its length: its potential as vacuum bag sharp corners of the bag: RTV 3535P is a silicone
temperature Demolding paste that, after kneading just in your hands, can
Finished Reusable was immediately discovered.
Pressure composite silicone be applied as a mastic on the silicone bag.
manufact block BluesilTM RTV 3720 can be sprayed onto the mold
so that, after curing, a thin silicone film is readily If the bag should be composed of multiple
available, adapting to every spot of the mold silicone layers, these can be attached together by
surface. Such film is a silicone vacuum bag that means of CAF 3, the silicone glue.
Prepreg layer Silicone block
can be repeatedly used, and disposed only when
the mold itself is not needed anymore.
The mold construction is carried out as usual,
and cast after cast instead of a new plastic bag
the same silicone bag is applied, which contains
already the vacuum valve and the sealing tape...
that is the silicone itself.

20 21
03

Silicone property Silicone advantage in Resin Infusion

Applicable by spray/brush Time saving (i.e. no bag clamping)

Silicone is self-sealing No need for sealing tape (i.e. butyl tape)

Resin resistance
Reusable > minor disposal efforts
Good mechanical properties
Easy demolding
Elasticity self-release
No need for release agents

Bluesil™ RTV 3720 3720 SC 3535P

Hardness (Sh.A) 20 20 35

Working Time (min) 3 60 3

Demolding Time (min) 15 150 15

Mix Viscosity (MPa) 40.000 40.000 Putty

Recommended Application Spray Brush big molds Bag protection

Bluesil™ RTV 3720 is also

available in bi-cartridges
for spraying.

22 23
 Delivering
Silicones your
potential

Elkem Silicones
Elkem Silicones is one of the world’s leading fully
integrated silicone manufacturers with applications
and research laboratories, production sites and sales
offices located around the globe.
At Elkem Silicones, we’re more than just high quality
silicone products and associated services. We are a team
of professionals located around the globe ready to provide
you with the service and performance you deserve with
a personal touch.
From technical support to customized formulations and
regulatory support, Elkem Silicones has the people in
place when and where you need them, committed to help
you deliver your potential. Because we care!
The information contained in this document is given in good faith based on our current knowledge.
It is only an indication and is in no way binding, particularly as regards infringement of or prejudice
to third party rights through the use of our products. Elkem Silicones guarantees that its products
comply with its sales specifications. This information must on no account be used as a substitute for
necessary prior tests which alone can ensure that a product is suitable for given use. Determination
of the suitability of product for the uses and applications contemplated by users and others shall be
the sole responsibility of users. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with local legislation
and for obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Users are requested to check that
they are in possession of the latest version of this document and Elkem Silicones is at their disposal
to supply any additional information.

For detailed commercial contacts please visit our website: www.silicones.elkem.com

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08
17
SIL

Elkem Silicones France SAS Art direction & graphic design:

21, avenue Georges Pompidou Day on mars
F-69486 Lyon Cedex 03 - France Font: Gotham Narrow
Tel: +33 (0)4 72 13 19 00 Photography: Stephane Cande, Sebastien Secchi,
Fax: +33 (0)4 72 13 19 88 Christian Chaize, Elkem Silicones, Bruno Martinier
Image bank: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Istock