Liquid silicone market forecast at $5.83 billion by 2031

London, England – Persistence Market Research forecasts that the liquid silicone rubber (LSR) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4%, reaching US$ 5.83 billion by 2031, up from US$ 3.31 billion in 2024.. The demand is being driven by the healthcare and automotive sectors, where LSR’s heat resistance, biocompatibility, chemical and electrical resistance, and transparency make it a preferred material for a variety of applications. The global rise in IT spending and the increasing demand for eco-friendly, soft, and efficient materials in devices further boost LSR’s utilization. In North America, the U.S. is expected to dominate the market, particularly due to the automotive industry’s reliance on LSR for enhanced performance, particularly in electric vehicles. The industrial-grade segment, driven by OEM demand, is set to experience a notable CAGR of 8.6%, with the automotive and healthcare industries being major contributors.

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a versatile material that has found applications across several industries due to its unique properties. It is primarily used for manufacturing high-performance, durable products that can withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and environmental conditions.
LSR is most commonly used in the automotive industry, where it serves as seals, gaskets, and hoses that require resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. In the medical sector, it is used for making components like catheters, syringes, and surgical devices, owing to its biocompatibility and ease of sterilization.
In addition to medical and automotive applications, LSR is also utilized in the consumer goods market. It’s found in kitchen utensils, baby bottle nipples, and even wearable technology products, thanks to its flexibility, durability, and non-toxic nature. The ability of liquid silicone rubber to be molded into intricate shapes further adds to its widespread use in various industries.

While liquid rubber and silicone may seem similar, they are not exactly the same. The term “liquid rubber” is often used as a general reference to a type of rubber-like material in liquid form, which can include various polymers. Silicone rubber is a specific type of rubber that’s made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, and it is known for its excellent heat resistance and flexibility.
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is a specific type of silicone that is used in a liquid form during the molding process. It is typically used for injection molding, allowing manufacturers to create detailed, high-precision parts. On the other hand, liquid rubber could refer to various types of rubbers, not necessarily silicone-based. Therefore, while all liquid silicone rubber is liquid rubber, not all liquid rubber is silicone.
What is Liquid Silicone vs Silicone?
Liquid Silicone and Silicone are two forms of the same material, but they differ significantly in terms of their properties and uses.

Silicone: Typically, when people refer to silicone, they are talking about the solid or rubbery material made from a polymer compound of silicon. Silicone materials are generally solid at room temperature and are used for a variety of applications including kitchenware, medical devices, and electrical insulation. These materials are known for their elasticity, heat resistance, and durability.

Liquid Silicone: Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is the liquid form of silicone. It is often used in molding applications, as it can be injected into molds to create intricate, flexible, and precise parts. Unlike its solid counterpart, liquid silicone is used in a more fluid state before it cures and hardens into its flexible final form. LSR has high transparency, excellent weather resistance, and can be made into complex shapes with tight tolerances.
One of the key differences between the two is that LSR is primarily used in injection molding, where it is injected into molds to form specific shapes, while solid silicone is more commonly used in products that do not require complex molding processes.
How to Liquify Silicone Rubber?
Liquifying silicone rubber is a crucial step in its manufacturing process, particularly for applications that require injection molding. Silicone rubber in its natural form is solid, but when it is processed into a liquid form, it becomes easier to mold and shape into the desired product.
The process of liquifying silicone rubber generally involves mixing the silicone base with a catalyst. The two components are then heated under controlled conditions to reduce the viscosity of the silicone, allowing it to flow easily into molds. This process is known as “vulcanization” and is a key step in transforming the silicone into a flexible and durable material.
In industrial settings, silicone rubber is typically liquified at high temperatures and pressures, using specialized equipment to ensure the proper consistency for molding. Manufacturers can also control the speed at which the silicone cures by adjusting the temperature or pressure. This flexibility is one of the reasons LSR is such a popular material for creating products that require both precision and durability.
In DIY or small-scale applications, silicone rubber can also be liquefied by heating it gently in an oven or using a heat gun, though the exact process may vary depending on the type of silicone used. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when attempting to liquefy silicone at home to ensure safety and avoid damaging the material.
Conclusion
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a powerful, adaptable material used across a variety of industries for its excellent properties like flexibility, heat resistance, and biocompatibility. While it is closely related to solid silicone, LSR is specifically designed for use in injection molding processes, allowing for more intricate designs and faster production times. Whether you are using LSR in high-tech medical devices, automotive parts, or consumer goods, understanding its properties and differences from solid silicone can help you make informed decisions about which form of silicone is right for your needs.