A more sustainable solution for reusable vacuum bags

Silicone is a new technology for the composite molding market. Elkem developed partnerships with several manufacturers of composite parts acting as a solution provider, which enables an open dialogue with end users based on trust.

The new BLUESIL™ RTV 3723 has been developed in partnership with a French boat manufacturer to produce silicone reusable vacuum bags used for the processing of boat hulls applying the "vacuum resin infusion" technology, and the new BLUESIL™ RTV 3723 is specifically designed to have an improved resistance to polyesters resins.

Thanks to this partnership, Elkem developed a new silicone solution that enables our customer to achieve their goal, a boat production process, using the latest and most efficient silicone technology. The new product BLUESIL™ RTV 3723, is a two-component silicone elastomer which cures at room temperature by a polyaddition reaction (1:1 ratio), polyester based resin infusion process has increased from 25 casts to more than 45 casts. Silicone reusable vacuum bags are an easy-to-use alternative to save time in your production steps.

Silicone Reusable Vacuum Bags (RVBs) are increasingly considered as an innovative new alternative in the production of composite pieces to maximize production for serial batches. Silicone RVB membranes technically replace disposable plastic films, ensuring consistent quality and faster production output. RVBs reduce consumables and plastic waste significantly and the silicone RVB is thus a path to a more sustainable environmental solution for the users.

Composites are also made using other molding processes, several of them being compatible to a soft transition to RVB technology, such as resin casting, classical infusion, RTM light or prepreg. The use of Silicone Rubbers in these various processes is increasing, and this is due to the properties of release and chemical resistance of Silicones and to the flexibility of use of RTV Silicone rubbers, which can easily be adapted to the type of processing method.

Elkem has developed a range of BLUESIL™ RTV Silicones suitable for composite molding, which offer many advantages, in special curing at room temperature, a definite plus compared to natural rubber or other synthetic materials.

Elkem offers customized services and solutions to respond to your specific needs. Come and talk to us about your specific requirements and we will do our best to propose an adapted solution.

Our team of experts are at your service to provide advice, technical solutions and hands-on training for your technicians and operators.

Elkem delivers silicone solutions with a personal touch!

Elkem’s commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is central to our business strategy. Our mission is to provide advanced material solutions shaping a better and more sustainable future, adding value to our stakeholders globally.

Elkem defines sustainability work as continuous efforts to maximise our positive impact on the environment and societies around us, as well as to minimise any negative impact. As a global company, we affect the environment and communities around the world every day. And through the products we make, we have a foot print in our supply chain and make new solutions possible.

Disclosure is a primary part of this engagement, and we can proudly state that in 2020, Elkem received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and was ranked by CDP in the Climate A List.

Read more about Sustainability

About Elkem ASA 

Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced material solutions shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 6,800 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2020, Elkem was rated among the world’s top 5% on climate and achieved an operating income of NOK 24.7 billion. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK).