Abstract: An end cap for protecting a substrate includes an outer band disposed around a gel container in a vicinity of a crimp ring, the outer band protecting the container from being pierced by a crimping tool, and keeping a material of the container deformed subsequent to crimping the crimp ring so as to prevent separation between the container and the crimp ring due to relaxation.

Abstract: An article for protecting a substrate includes a preshaped member having a shape similar to that of the substrate being protected, the article having a thin layer of gel disposed in intimate contact with an inner surface of the member such that the gel is disposed in intimate contact with the substrate when the member is disposed therearound. Preferably, the gel comprises an open looped three-dimensional network, the gel being relatively soft, elastic, and having an ultimate elongation in excess of 100%.

Abstract: This invention provides organopolysiloxane materials having cone penetration between about 100 and about 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and ultimate elongation of at least 100% and having reduced surface tack. This invention provides three methods of obtaining said materials with reduced surface tack. The first method comprises applying to the surface of such material an organic peroxide or a photoinitiator and irradiating the surface with ultraviolet light to further crosslink the surface to reduce or eliminate the tack of the surface. The second method comprises mixing a photoinitiator, such as benzophenone, in an organopolysiloxane fluid, thermally crosslinking the organopolysiloxane fluid to produce the material with the above cone penetration and ultimate elongation then irradiating the surface of the material with ultraviolet light to reduce or eliminate the tack of the surface.