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Buying platinum catalysts for addition-cure silicone
Ask the supplier to identify the catalyst and carrier and state how much elemental platinum is in each kilogram of product. Compare quotes once those details are clear. If a quote only says “high activity” or “active content,” ask whether the figure refers to the complex, another active ingredient or elemental platinum. Check purchase specifications and production performance separately.
IOTA-8100 platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex
Before ordering, obtain the technical data sheet for the quoted grade, the lot inspection items and written confirmation.
Comparing two quotes
|
Item |
What the quote should state |
Why it matters |
|
Product identity |
Full grade, complex, carrier and supplied form |
Equal platinum content does not mean equal compatibility |
|
Elemental platinum |
ppm or percent by mass of supplied product, tolerance and test method |
Quotes need the same basis |
|
Purchase cost |
Price per kilogram, packaging, quantity and delivery terms |
Compare cost per unit of platinum, then check the amount needed to make acceptable parts |
|
Lot documents |
Technical and safety data sheets, lot test report and lot number |
Trace samples and production deliveries |
If both quotes give the elemental platinum mass fraction, divide the price per kilogram of product by that fraction to get the equivalent cost per kilogram of elemental platinum. Use it to compare quotes only. Even at equal cost, check working time, cure and cost per acceptable part in your current compound.
Turning trial results into acceptance criteria
1. Compare with the same lots of base silicone, crosslinker and filler. Keep mixing order and cure conditions consistent. Record elemental platinum relative to the mass of the whole compound.
2. Record when the mixture starts to thicken, whether parts demold at the actual mold temperature and cycle time, and whether any areas stay tacky. If only the tooling contact face fails to cure, check contact materials and contamination before adjusting dosage.
3. Put the agreed grade, elemental platinum specification, carrier and lot documents on the order. Compare the first production lot with the successful trial, retain a sample and record the lot number. Revalidate any change in carrier or supplied specification.
IOTA Silicone Oil (Anhui) Co., Ltd. provides solutions across the silicone value chain and can review catalyst raw materials and documentation against the addition-cure system and process. We do not supply complete formulations or formulation development.
Frequently asked questions
Q1 Is active content the same as elemental platinum content?
Only the supplier’s definition and test basis can establish that. List elemental platinum by mass of supplied product separately.
Q2 Can the quoted platinum ppm be used directly in production?
Check whether it refers to the catalyst or the entire compound. The denominators differ.
Q3 Can I switch between products with the same platinum content?
Compare carrier, compatibility, working time and cure in trials under the same conditions.
Q4 Do I need a trial if the delivery has a test report?
The report confirms lot specifications. After a source or specification change, trial the actual compound to check cycle time and finished parts.
Q5 Should I immediately increase dosage if some areas fail to cure?
Check mixing, temperature and contact contamination first. Increasing dosage is not a general solution to cure inhibition.
Related resources
IOTA-8100 platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex: candidate for addition-cure systems
IOTA guide to platinum catalysts for addition-cure silicones: cure, working time and inhibition
