Silicone can be divided into two main categories based on its nature and composition: Organic Silicone and Inorganic Silicone.
Organic Silicone is an organic silicon compound primarily composed of polysiloxane. Due to its inherent excellent properties as an organic material, organic silicone not only possesses characteristics such as low surface tension, low viscosity-temperature coefficient, high compressibility, and good gas permeability, but also exhibits several outstanding properties that are difficult for many inorganic materials to achieve, such as high and low-temperature resistance, good electrical insulation, and oxidation resistance.
Inorganic Silicone is a highly active adsorbent material. It is typically produced by reacting sodium silicate with sulfuric acid, followed by a series of post-treatment processes such as aging and acid soaking. It is insoluble in water and any solvent, non-toxic, odorless, and chemically stable, reacting with no substances except strong bases and hydrofluoric acid. Different types of inorganic silicone develop various microporous structures due to different manufacturing methods.
The Differences Between Silicone and Silicone Rubber
1. Different Nature
Silicone: It is a highly active adsorbent material, belonging to an amorphous substance.
Silicone Rubber: It is a type of rubber whose main chain is alternately composed of silicon and oxygen atoms, with silicon atoms typically bonded to two organic groups.
2. Different Characteristics
Silicone: Silicone has a strong adsorption capacity, oxidation resistance, and higher stability. For example, it can function in harsh environments with temperatures ranging from -110°C to 350°C. It also possesses excellent characteristics such as being non-toxic, odorless, antistatic, flame retardant, highly conductive, and ultra-transparent.
Silicone Rubber: Silicone rubber has good low-temperature resistance, generally remaining functional at -55°C. It also has good gas permeability, with the highest oxygen transmission rate among synthetic polymers.
3. Different Composition
Silicone: The main component of silicone is silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Silicone Rubber: It is mainly composed of siloxane linkages containing methyl groups and a small amount of vinyl groups. The introduction of phenyl groups can improve the high and low-temperature resistance of silicone rubber, while the introduction of trifluoropropyl and cyano groups can enhance its temperature and oil resistance.
4. Different Uses
Silicone: Various types of silicone are extensively used in applications such as drug purification, DNA separation, food drying, high-precision electronics, advanced cosmetics, sewage purification, beer clarification, advanced coatings, and resin production or preservation.
Silicone Rubber: It is used for bonding, sealing, insulation, and potting in the electronics, instrumentation, chemical, light industrial, and machinery industries. It is also used for surface maintenance of equipment management. It possesses excellent electrical insulation and arc resistance, as well as moisture and shock resistance.
