Method for the production of silicone elastomer-containing articles

Abstract

A method is disclosed which involves the production of shaped silicone elastomer-containing articles. In making an article of this type, a silicone elastomer-containing mass is formed to the desired configuration by subjecting it to pressure with a suitable die or pair of dies. Generally, the shaped mass will adhere to the die, or to one of the pair of dies, used for the shaping operation. A mechanical loosening of the shaped mass poses great difficulties. On the one hand, if sufficient caution is not excerised during loosening of the shaped mass, scratching or breakage of the latter will occur, particularly if the shaped mass is of small thickness. On the other hand, the exercise of great caution during loosening of the shaped mass is very time-consuming and, further, may still not yield satisfactory results if the shaped mass is of small thicnkess. In accordance with the invention, these problems are avoided in that the detachment of the shaped mass from the die to which it adheres is effected by contacting the shaped mass with a medium which impregnates the shaped mass so as to cause swelling of the latter. As a result, the shaped mass becomes loosened from the die without the danger of damage thereto. The medium may subsequently be removed from the shaped mass by heating and/or by the use of a vacuum. Suitable media for effecting detachment of the shaped mass from the die include the aliphatic, the aromatic and the halogenated hydrocarbons.