An Overview of Silicone Rubber: From Properties to Industry

Comprehensive Summary Silicone rubber is widely used in fields such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods due to its unique properties and robust structure. While many previous reviews focus on structure and intrinsic properties, this review highlights the connection between silicone rubber and real‐world industrial applications. The material is generally classified into room temperature vulcanized (RTV), high temperature vulcanized (HTV), and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Their curing mechanisms, typical formulations, and key performance parameters are systematically compared, along with their typical end‐use areas such as sealants, electrical insulation, medical devices, and wearable components. Both conventional and emerging manufacturing methods are summarized. Recent advances, such as 3D printing, microfabrication, and roll‐to‐roll processing, are enabling cost‐effective prototyping and reduced material waste compared to traditional molding techniques. Compared to traditional elastomers, silicone rubber exhibits superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and processing flexibility, which supports its use in extreme environments. The development of modified systems and derivatives has further expanded functionality, providing flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, self‐healing, and improved biocompatibility. New recyclable and stimuli‐responsive types of silicone rubber also broaden opportunities in sustainable manufacturing, flexible electronics, and smart medical devices. Overall, this review links recent material modifications and advanced processing methods with expanding industrial applications, outlining both current achievements and key directions for future development in the silicone rubber field. Key Manufactures Key manufacturers have been the primary drivers in transforming silicone rubber from a lab discovery into a modern industrial cornerstone. The industry was established in the 1940s by pioneers Dow (formerly Dow Corning) and GE (now Momentive). Their breakthrough "Direct Process" enabled the first large‐scale production of HTV siloxanes. These materials provided critical insulation for early aerospace and defense applications. In the 1960s, Wacker Chemie and Shin‐Etsu Chemical revolutionized the civil and electronics sectors. These two companies commercialized RTV systems, marking a major shift in manufacturing. The adoption of platinum‐catalyzed curing enabled byproduct‐free and high‐efficiency production. This technology drove the mass adoption of silicones in biocompatible medical devices and infant care. Today, the industrial frontier is defined by advanced functionalization and digital manufacturing. Leaders like Dow and Spectroplast are integrating 3D printing and functional fillers. This facilitates customized medical solutions and responsive silicones for soft robotics and wearable sensors. This evolution marks a transition from mass‐produced materials to "intelligent" elastomers tailored for the digital age.