Abstract: A buoyant silicone rubber compound—and process for preparing same—is disclosed wherein hollow micro spheres are incorporated into the formulation in order to decrease the specific gravity of the compound to less than 1.0. The disclosed compound is prepared by admixing from about 85 to 99 weight percent polydimethyl siloxane with from about 1 to 15 weight percent hollow micro spheres. The micro spheres are selected to have a mean particle diameter of from about 10 to 500 microns. Aquatic gear comprised of the afore-mentioned buoyant silicone rubber exhibiting positive buoyancy/flotation such as ear plugs, swim goggles, dive masks, fins and sun glasses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A buoyant silicone rubber compound—and process for preparing same—is disclosed wherein hollow micro spheres are incorporated into the formulation in order to decrease the specific gravity of the compound to less than 1.0. The disclosed compound is prepared by admixing from about 85 to 99 weight percent polydimethyl siloxane with from about 1 to 15 weight percent hollow micro spheres. The micro spheres are selected to have a mean particle diameter of from about 10 to 500 microns. Aquatic gear comprised of the afore-mentioned buoyant silicone rubber exhibiting positive buoyancy/flotation such as ear plugs, swim goggles, dive masks, fins and sun glasses are also disclosed.