Silicone Rubber Question: I know

[jobeth]

Silicone Rubber Question:

I know this is an awkard question but, I got asked it from an aerospace customer about how silicone rubber wire seals react to what is called urich acid.

In other words, how does silicone rubber react to urine?

It seems some of thier connectors had voltage failures and they found urich acid build up on the contacts. The connectors are located near one of the bathrooms on a commercial airplane. They think maybe the plumbing system leaked or someone was not paying close attention (if you know what I mean). Any help is appreaciated.

William H. Bernhart, P.E.


I work as a development engineer for AMP - Tyco Electronics located near Harrisburg, PA. I help design interconnections and electrical connectors for aerospace applications.

 

[BLN]

According to the Parker O-Ring Handbook, silicone has fair compatibility with Uric acid (should be OK for a static seal). Butyl, Neoprene, and Fluorosilicone have better compatibility. You need to talk to someone that sells the silicone, they should have the specific information on the material.

How well does the silicone "seal" on the connectors? It may not be that the silicone is decomposing because of the acid, but that there is a gap that allows for the ingress of fluids.