There are several key properties that distinguish silicone rubber from natural rubber. One is its durability; silicone rubber can withstand extreme temperatures, UV light, and Ozone exposure without breaking down, while natural rubber will degrade over time under these conditions. Additionally, silicone rubber is much more resistant to chemicals than natural rubber, making it the preferred choice for applications where it may come into contact with harsh chemicals or solvents. Finally, silicone rubber has a much lower density than natural rubber, meaning it is lighter in weight and more flexible. These properties make silicone rubber the ideal material for many industrial and consumer applications.
Silicone rubber is an elastomer composed of silicone—itself a polymer—containing silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicone rubber has a number of benefits that make it ideal for use in many different applications.
It is extremely heat resistant, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without degrading. This makes it perfect for use in applications where there is a risk of heat damage, such as in silicone automotive gaskets and sealants.
Silicone rubber also has excellent resistance to cold temperatures. This makes it ideal for use in applications where there is a risk of cold damage, such as in food storage containers.
Silicone rubber is also very durable. It does not degrade over time like natural rubber does, meaning it has a much longer lifespan. This makes it perfect for use in applications where long-term reliability is important, such as in medical devices.
Natural rubber is an elastomer that is extracted from the milky white fluid called latex that is produced by numerous plants. It exhibits good mechanical properties such as elasticity, abrasion resistance, and tensile strength as well as excellent water resistance and electrical insulation properties.