Medical-grade soft silicone elastomers for prostheses

Silicone in Prosthetics: Enhancing Quality of Life for Amputees

Prosthetics manufacturers use silicone for their unique properties to manufacture various parts of the prostheses, aiming at improving the quality of life of amputees. Medical grade soft silicone elastomers (RTVs) are used most widely in prosthetics because they are chemically inert, do not absorb sweat and are more durable than other soft materials. 

Medical-grade silicone RTVs are particularly used for the manufacturing of prosthetic liners, which is the part of the limb prosthesis in direct contact with the skin. Its role is to maintain a tight fit with the body while redistributing weight in order to reduce pain at pressure points. 

Elkem Silicones’ range of SILBIONE™ RTVs provide the following benefits for the manufacturing of prosthetic liners:

• Wide range of hardness available
• Biocompatible according to ISO 10993
• Excellent mechanical properties for a longer durability
• Low viscosity for a trouble-free and high productivity manufacturing operation
• Silicone glue technology available to bond with the external fabric
• Custom grades available on demand

Medical Grade Silicone Soft Elastomers for Healthcare application

Discover our expanding Silbione™ product line for Medical Grade Soft Elastomers

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Beyond liners, medical grade RTVs can also be used to make realistic, life-like artificial limbs such as hands and feet. By using various grades and colors pigments, prosthetists can make tailor-made individual prostheses in a process called cosmetic restoration.  Thanks to the unique viscoelastic properties of silicone elastomers, the end product can have a touch and feel which is very close to human skin.

At Elkem, we have dedicated people located around the globe, committed to your success. Whether you are looking for a product recommendation, for customized silicone solutions, or for regulatory support, we have the people in place when and where you want them.