Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced silicone foam is described. An aqueous silicone emulsion that cures upon drying at ambient temperature to an elastomeric film is combined with inorganic fibers having a diameter of less than 25 micrometers and a length of less than 10 mm to form a mixture. Air is dispersed through the mixture to form a stable froth. Removing the water from the stable froth yields an open-cell foam having cell walls comprising a thin layer of silicone elastomer reinforced with fibers. If electrically conductive fibers are used, the foam can be electrically conductive.

Abstract: A composition which provides an elastomeric, electrically conductive product upon removal of the water at ambient conditions is described. The composition comprises an emulsion (A) having a dispersed phase of elastomer and a continuous phase of water containing a material selected from the group comprising colloidal silica, alkali metal silicates, and organosilicates, and (B) electrically conductive, metal coated spheres having a diameter of from 5 to 105 micrometers. Because the dispersed particles of elastomer are crosslinked before the metal coated spheres are added, when the water is removed from the emulsion, the metal coated spheres and the dispersed crosslinked elastomer are found in a continuous polar phase. The cured elastomer, having a surface resistivity of less than 2 ohms per square on at least one surface is particularly useful in producing an efficient shield for electromagnetic radiation in the radio and television frequencies.

Abstract: A composition which provides an electrically conductive product upon removal of the water at ambient conditions is described. The composition comprises a dispersed phase of elastomer and a continuous phase of water containing a material selected from the group comprising colloidal silica, alkali metal silicates, and organosilicates. Also present in the continuous phase is greater than 10 parts by weight of electrically conductive particles in the form of fibers having a diameter of less than 25 micrometers and a length of less than 10 millimeters with the ratio of length to diameter of greater than 10:1. Upon drying, the emulsion yields an electrically conductive elastic product having elastomer particles and electrically conductive fibers dispersed in a solid polar continuous phase. The electrically conductive product is particularly useful as an efficient shield for electromagnetic radiation in the radio and television frequencies.