Is Lower or Higher Viscosity Better for Liquid Silicone Rubber? Let’s Break It Down.
When comparing liquid silicone rubber (LSR) of the same type, you might notice its viscosity varies with hardness. In fact, viscosity isn’t just tied to hardness—it’s also influenced by quality, product series, and more.
This often leads to the question: *Is lower viscosity better, or higher?*
The answer isn’t black and white—it depends entirely on your specific application and the type of LSR you’re using.
🔍 What Causes Changes in LSR Viscosity?
1. Hardness Variation
Take condensation-cure mold silicone, for example: as hardness increases, viscosity tends to follow a “arch-shaped” trend**—rising first, then decreasing.
💡 *Tip:* If the viscosity is too high, silicone oil can be used for dilution—but keep in mind this may also reduce hardness.
2. Product Series Differences**
LSR is mainly divided into **addition-cure and condensation-cure types**. Even at the same hardness, their viscosity can differ significantly—usually, addition-cure LSR has much lower viscosity.
Plus, viscosity may vary across different series within the same LSR type and hardness grade.
3. Quality and Manufacturing
Production processes differ among manufacturers, which can lead to slight viscosity variations—but generally within acceptable industry ranges.
4. Custom Formulations
To meet specific customer needs, manufacturers often customize LSR formulations, which can directly adjust viscosity for specialized applications.
⚙️ Why Viscosity Matters Beyond Flow
Viscosity changes don’t just affect workability—they can also influence:
- Hardness
- Tensile strength
- Tear strength
- Density
- Elongation rate
That’s why selecting the right LSR means balancing viscosity with all key performance properties to match your application perfectly.
Want to dive deeper into silicone selection or discuss custom solutions for your project?
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