Optically clear silicone compositions curable to elastomers

摘要

Optically clear silicone compositions comprising 100 parts by weight of at least one polydiorganosiloxane and 15 to 120 parts by weight of a hydrophobic reinforcing silica filler wherein substantially all of the surface-treated silica filler particles are sufficiently small in their largest dimensions such that a uniform 2.54 mm thickness of the composition possesses a haze value of less than 4% and a luminous transmittance value of at least 85% according to ASTM D1003-61. The refractive index of the polydiorganosiloxane does not have to be matched with that of the silica filler to obtain optically clear compositions. The haze value of certain of such compositions does not increase by more than 1% per 2.54 mm thickness when the composition is heated from 23 DEG +/-2 DEG C. to 100 DEG +/-5 DEG C. Optionally, curing agents and other additives can be present in the compositions. Optically clear cured elastomers useful as lenses or tubing can be prepared from such elastomers. Methods for the preparation of such compositions are also claimed.