Latest company case about Shenzhen Hanast New Material co.,LTD Certifications

Silicone molds for cultured stone are used to make mushroom stones, artificial cultured stone, cement products, plaster products, handicrafts, etc. A whitening phenomenon has been observed during the production of products using silicone molds for cultured stone, leading to product scrap, reduced production efficiency, and losses in labor and material costs. Is there a way to make silicone molds for cultured stone that do not turn white?

The main reason is not here, but it's still an important factor. Professional silicone molds for cultured stone must be alkali-resistant to be used. Since cultured stone is made of cement, which is an alkaline material, it reacts with water to produce a large amount of calcium hydroxide, which undergoes multiple chemical changes to form the white powder visible to the naked eye. This process is called alkali return. Therefore, when making silicone molds for cultured stone, it is essential to choose alkali-resistant and heat-resistant silicone rubber.

The main reason is here. Reputable manufacturers now recommend using alkali-resistant silicone molds specifically for cultured stone, but customers need to control the process themselves during production and use. Therefore, to ensure long-term use of silicone molds for cultured stone that do not turn white, two points should be noted during the curing period:

• Firstly, the curing period for silicone molds for cultured stone should not be excessive, generally lasting 15 days.
• Secondly, temperature control during the curing period is crucial. The transition from low to high temperatures during the curing period requires a slow and prolonged process. Short periods should be avoided; a longer preheating time before reaching the high temperature is necessary to prevent whitening.

In addition to the above aspects regarding raw materials and usage, applying a resin gel coat during the molding process can also prevent whitening.

From material selection and mold manufacturing to use and storage, every step is important to prevent whitening of silicone molds for cultured stone. Whitening is not unique to silicone molds for cultured stone; it can also occur in silicone molds for cement products. The underlying principle is the same, and the treatment methods can be similar.