METHOD FOR PHOTO-HARDENING SILICONE RUBBER SURFACE, AND MOLDED SILICONE RUBBER

摘要

A method for photo-hardening a silicone rubber surface, the method comprising a step (A) in which a surface of a molded silicone rubber is irradiated using, for example, a xenon excimer lamp with vacuum ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nm or less at an irradiation energy in the range of 10-3,000 mJ/cm², thereby forming an oxide layer in the irradiated portion by photooxidation and thus hardening the portion. According to the method, it is possible to harden the surface of the silicon rubber into a wear-resistant surface without causing a change in gloss and while keeping the rubbery feeling intact. It is also possible to improve the oil infiltration resistance of the rubber.