Although they may look and feel similar, Silicone and rubber are actually very different materials with distinct properties and uses. Silicone and rubber are both elastomers, which means they can stretch and return to their original shape. However, they have different compositions and physical characteristics.
In this article, we will compare Silicone and rubber and show why Silicone is a superior material for many applications.
Silicone is a type of synthetic rubber that is created by altering silicon. It has a unique structure with an oxygen atom alternating with a silicon atom backbone. Unlike other rubbers or elastomers, Silicone has higher energy silicon-oxygen bonds, making it highly heat-resistant.
Silicone also stands out due to its inorganic backbone, which provides exceptional resistance to chemicals and fungi. Additionally, silicone rubber can withstand UV light and ozone exposure better than other elastomers due to its less vulnerable silicon-oxygen link than the carbon-carbon bond found in other rubbers.
The following is a video explaining what Silicone is and its various uses:
Rubber, in general, refers to elastomers that undergo dimensional changes when subjected to stress. Rubbers can return to their original dimensions when the stress is removed. These materials have an amorphous form and exhibit a glass transition temperature.
Rubber and elastomers come in various forms, including Silicone, nitrile rubber, polychloroprene, styrene butadiene rubber, natural rubber, and synthetic polyisoprene. When we think of rubber, natural rubber is often the first type that comes to mind. Natural rubber is obtained from the latex of the rubber tree.
Silicone and regular rubber are two types of elastomers, which are materials that can stretch and return to their original shape. They have different compositions, physical characteristics, environmental impacts, and costs. Here is a summary of their main differences:
Silicone rubber is made of polymers with silicon-oxygen bonds, along with fillers, colors, and curatives. Its composition can be changed to achieve different properties. Most silicone rubbers are vulcanized, which means they are treated with heat or chemicals to improve their strength and durability.
Regular rubber is made of polymers with isoprene units, which are derived from the sap of some plants, such as the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Its molecular structure consists of a carbon chain with many hydrogen atoms attached. These hydrogen atoms give natural rubber its elasticity. Synthetic rubbers are made by adding hydrogen to other compounds.
Silicone rubber is very durable and can withstand high temperatures, UV radiation, and ozone exposure without breaking down. It also has high chemical resistance, which makes it suitable for situations where it may come into contact with harsh chemicals or solvents.
Moreover, silicone rubber is more flexible and lighter than regular rubber because it has a lower density. These characteristics make silicone rubber the best material for many commercial and industrial applications.
Regular rubber has good mechanical properties, such as flexibility, abrasion resistance, and tensile strength. It also has excellent water resistance and electrical insulation. However, regular rubber is prone to deterioration over time, especially under extreme heat or cold. Therefore, regular rubber is more suitable for applications where long-term durability is not essential.
Silicone and regular rubber have different environmental footprints. Natural rubber is a renewable resource that comes from the sap of plants. It does not emit toxic fumes and decomposes easily in the environment. However, natural rubber production requires a lot of land, which may harm ecosystems.
Silicone rubber is a non-renewable resource that is made from synthetic ingredients. It releases harmful toxins and degrades slowly in the environment. However, silicone rubber production does not require a lot of land, which may reduce deforestation.
Rubber requires harmful chemicals to stabilize it. However, these chemicals may cause cancer and affect the quality of rubber.
Silicone, on the other hand, does not need any toxic additives to make it stable. It is a high-quality material that is safe and reliable.
Silicone has many advantages over rubber for medical and food processing applications. Silicone can resist high temperatures, pressures, and strains without cracking or wearing out.
It is also more hygienic and less prone to contamination than rubber. Therefore, Silicone can provide better performance, safety, and savings than rubber.
Cost is an important factor when choosing any material for your project. Silicone and regular rubber have different prices, depending on their quality and performance.
Generally, silicone rubber is more expensive than regular rubber because it has higher heat and chemical resistance than regular rubber. Therefore, silicone rubber is more cost-effective in applications where it can withstand higher temperatures and harsher conditions.
On the other hand, regular rubber is cheaper than silicone rubber because it is more abundant and easier to produce. Therefore, regular rubber is more economical in applications where it does not face extreme temperatures or chemicals.
Here is a comparison table to help you understand the differences between Silicone and regular rubber better:
| Traits | Silicone | Regular Rubber |
| Backbone Structure | The Silicone backbone contains oxygen and silicon. | The regular rubber backbone contains carbon-carbon bonds. |
| Properties | More resistant to heat, fungus attacks, chemical attacks, ozone, and UV attacks. | It is less resistant to heat, fungus attacks, chemical attacks, ozone, and UV attacks. |
| Thermal Insulation | Due to more heat resistance, it has much better thermal resistance than regular rubber. | Less thermal insulation due to less heat resistance. |
| Tear and Tensile Properties | Excellent tear and tensile-resistant properties | Regular rubbers have poor tear and tensile properties. |
| Source | Synthetic | Natural or synthetic. |
The following is a YouTube video showing the differences between Silicone and regular rubber:
Silicone and regular rubber have distinct differences in terms of composition, physical characteristics, environmental impact, and cost. Silicone rubber is highly resistant to heat, chemicals, UV radiation, and ozone, making it suitable for various applications.
Regular rubber, on the other hand, possesses good mechanical properties but is more prone to deterioration over time. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to consider your specific requirements before making a choice.
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