Think all rubber is the same? You're in for a surprise! Despite the name, silicone rubber is a whole different than regular rubber. While they share some characteristics, their properties make them ideal for various uses. Curious to know how? Keep reading to discover the unique properties and advantages of silicone rubber compared to regular rubber!
What Is Silicone Rubber?Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer made from a blend of silicon (a naturally occurring element), Due to this, silicone rubber stands out for its exceptional temperature stability, with the ability to withstand extremely high and low temperatures without degrading. Silicon rubber also exhibits excellent electrical insulation properties, it is generally inert and resistant to chemical attack, making it suitable for use with oils, fuels, and solvents. Silicone has a higher compression set which means it may not recover its original shape as well after prolonged deformation.
High-Temperature Resistant Silicone Door Sealing Strip
What Is Rubber?In simple terms, all elastomers are considered rubbers. Rubber is a special material known for its elasticity, it can stretch a lot and snap back to its original shape. There are two main types: natural rubber, which comes from a milky white liquid (latex) tapped from rubber trees, and synthetic rubber, made from chemicals.
Today, we're mainly discussing natural rubber, which is known for its excellent tensile strength, elasticity, and flexibility. are widely used in many everyday items, including tires, hoses, belts, gaskets, and vibration isolation mounts. However, natural rubber is susceptible to degradation by oils, fuels, and solvents. This makes it unsuitable for applications like gaskets in car engines or food containers that might hold oily dressings.
Natural rubber is less durable and can degrade when exposed to sunlight, ozone, and harsh weather conditions. making it less suitable for use in aggressive environments. On the other hand, this characteristic becomes an advantage for products where biodegradability is important. It is therefore a more environmentally friendly option for some applications.
The Major Differences of Rubber vs Silicone
The biggest difference between silicone rubber and natural rubber is their origin: silicone rubber is synthetic, made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, while natural rubber is harvested from rubber trees, It's a renewable resource, but production can be affected by weather and disease. Additionally, natural rubber can't withstand certain environmental conditions, whereas silicone rubber excels, offering superior resistance and durability. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right material for your specific needs.
So, Now You Know!
By understanding the key differences between silicone and natural rubber, you can make an informed choice for your project. Silicone has excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering, making it a versatile material with a wide range of uses.
Ready to explore if silicone rubber is the right fit for your needs? When you select a custom rubber & silicone products company, choose Guangdong Zhongxiang New Materials Co., Ltd. We're here to answer all your questions without trying to upsell you unnecessary services.
