With the rapid development of the pet economy, silicone pet products have become mainstream in the market due to their durability, softness, and easy-to-clean properties. These products are primarily composed of organosilicon polymers, whose basic structure is composed of silicon-oxygen (Si-O) bonds, resulting in excellent thermal stability and chemical inertness.
The core raw material for silicone pet products is methyl vinyl silicone rubber. Physical properties are enhanced by the addition of additives such as silica (silicon dioxide) and hydroxyl silicone oil. Silica acts as a reinforcing filler to increase material strength, while hydroxyl silicone oil enhances flexibility and processing fluidity. Some high-end products incorporate food-grade platinum catalysts to ensure that the vulcanization process does not produce toxic byproducts. It is important to note that the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of compliant products must be strictly controlled to no more than 0.5 grams per kilogram to comply with EU REACH regulations.
From a safety perspective, medical-grade silicone (FDA 21 CFR 177.2600) is currently the preferred material for pet products. This type of silicone remains stable over a temperature range of -60°C to 250°C and does not release endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA). However, low-priced products made from recycled silicone rubber or inferior fillers still exist on the market. These products may contain excessive amounts of heavy metal ions (such as lead and cadmium) or incompletely polymerized free silicone oil, which can cause skin allergies in pets through long-term contact.
Consumers should look for products bearing international certifications such as SGS and LFGB. Laboratory testing shows that high-quality pet silicone should have a tensile strength of ≥7 MPa and a tear strength of ≥20 kN/m, and withstand more than 50 dishwasher cycles without deformation. With the advancement of bio-based silicone rubber technology, biodegradable pet products may become a new industry trend.
