Silicone ‘skin’ for prosthetic liners

Akron, Ohio – Shin-Etsu Silicones of America has recently introduced its new Shin-Etsu Select-Skin RTV Elastomers series for applications requiring a skin-like material with tough performance properties.

Select-Skin RTV Elastomers are comprised of two series: the “super soft” SES22330 (1:1 ratio) and the “tough skin” SES22230 (10:1 ratio). Both series are two-component, heat-cured, and addition-cure type silicone rubber compounds featuring low hardness, high tear strength, low viscosity, high elongation, and low tackiness. Each series offers three Shore 00 hardness options: the “super soft” SES22330 (10, 20, and 30) and the “tough skin” SES22230 (45, 55, and 65). Although all of the products are extraordinarily soft, they have a skin-like feel that is dry and not oily.

A notable advantage for Select-Skin in prosthetics is the ability to insulate longer by distributing peak socket pressures. When used in liners, the materials are ideal for protection from shear forces to reduce compressive stresses and the suspension of the prosthetic device. The materials can also be used to accommodate unique limb shapes and volume fluctuations.

Being translucent, Select-Skin can be readily pigmented for a customized appearance. The series’ fast cure time at room temperature reduces cycle time and improves productivity. Additionally, the material has an extended pot-life of up to 160 minutes.

According to SESA’s North America Marketing Manager, Eric Bishop, “The unique skin-like feel provides numerous performance advantages and creative aesthetic possibilities across a myriad of applications. The Select-Skin RTV Elastomer series’ resiliency and toughness delivers unparalleled durability across this span.”

Source: Shin-Etsu Silicones