Optical Materials

Enabling optical solutions

Designing for strength with silicone-powered optical solutions

Suitable for a wide range of applications, optical silicones offer long-term stability, material flexibility and proven processing performance. Silicone technologies can help solve pressing design and manufacturing challenges such as bonding, sealing, protecting, insulating and improving productivity by streamlining manufacturing costs and cycle time.

What is an optical gel and how is it used?

An optical gel can be used as a liquid coupling agent for display applications. Optical gels have been used extensively to seal and protect optoelectronics due to their stress relieving capability, high refractive index and the stability of these properties over time. Cured gels retain much of the stress-relieving and self-healing qualities of a liquid while providing the dimensional stability of an elastomer, making them increasingly useful for delicate components.

LED-illuminated lamps and luminaires

For LED-illuminated lamps and luminaires, moldable silicones make complex shapes easier than either organic polymers or glass. They can reduce cycle times in injection molding and streamline processes to reduce total system costs.

The chemical backbone of silicones makes them heat resistant and well suited to manage high temperatures of new high-power LED lighting systems. They’re also suitable for other applications, including:

  • Secondary lenses

  • Freeform collimators

  • Micro-lens array 

  • Light pipes

  • Light guides

  • Other optical components


Silicone optical encapsulants and gel materials provide superior protection from moisture, thermal stress, shock and impact, and offer excellent optical performance. They also offer minimal yellowing and degradation while maintaining consistent light quality over the product lifespan and ensuring reliable performance from LED modules in tough conditions.

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Consumer Goods and Appliances

Developing materials to improve consumer products and meet expectations for style, comfort, performance and durability.​

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Electronics

Addressing mechanical stress and vibration damping and performance over a wide range of operating temperatures.

Electric car charging  

Mobility 

Meeting industry needs as the electrification of vehicles drives demand for compliance with tight safety regulations, reliability and greater connectivity. 

Optical Silicone Materials

Explore our portfolio of DOWSIL™, SILASTIC™, SYLGARD™ branded optical silicone materials – and use filters to narrow by application.

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