Link: http://adteputek.com/b2evolution/blog2.php/2009/05/30/2009-05-30-why-use-silicone-rubber

Silicone Rubber has these special characteristics and advantages: * Longer service life in adverse conditions because of it's high resistance to weathering and oxidation. It withstands rain, snow, humidity, ozone, or the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays -- for many years * Extreme temperature applications, -180ºF to 600ºF (-118ºC to 316ºC) * Inert, odorless, tasteless, stainless - ideal for medical and food applications * Excellent electrical qualities - many superior dielectric and insulation characteristics in special compounds. Properties do not change even when exposed to heat, cold, moisture, oil, ozone, UV Rays. * Superior resistance to many chemicals * High resistance to ozone and corona * Retains its natural flexibility and resilience (resists compression set) across a wider temperature range * Very good thermal resistance - special flame retardant compounds are available * Superior water resistance - low water adsorption