Silicone rubber has excellent resistance to extreme temperatures and is able to operate at temperatures from −100 to 300°C (−148 to 572°F). Silicone rubber has low tensile strength and poor wear performance. Some properties such as elongation, creep, alternating bending, tearing strength, compression setting, dielectric strength (at high voltages), thermal conductivity, fire resistance, and in some cases, tensile strength, although some properties are still lower than certain specialty materials in some cases, can often be far superior to organic rubber at extreme temperatures. Silicone rubber is the material of choice in industry when it is necessary to maintain its initial shape and mechanical strength under intense thermal stress or sub-zero temperatures. Organic rubber has a carbon-carbon backbone that makes it vulnerable to ozone, ultraviolet light, heat, and other aging factors that silicone rubber can withstand well. This makes silicone rubber one of the preferred elastomers in many extreme environments. Silicone's higher permeability produces more gas than most other rubbers, which limits its use in some areas.
Silicone rubber is highly inert, does not react with most chemicals and cannot participate in biological processes, so it can be used in many medical applications, including medical implants. It is biocompatible and low allergenic, making it suitable for contact with baby care products and general food. For migration or interaction problems between the main active ingredients, silicone rubber is a reliable solution (as opposed to rubber and thermoplastic elastomers). Its chemical stability prevents it from affecting any substrate it comes into contact with (skin, water, blood, active ingredients, etc.).