What You Should Know About Silicone Rubber

Many people confuse silicone with plastic because of its flexible, water-resistant properties. Even within the plastics industry, silicone is often categorized as a type of plastic. However, it's important to clarify that silicone is not plastic, despite sharing certain features with it. Unlike plastic, which is notorious for its harmful leaching of chemicals into food and beverages, silicone offers a safer alternative. This key difference is what has driven silicone's rise in popularity. In reality, silicone is more accurately described as a member of the rubber family, setting it apart from traditional plastics.

 

What Is Silicone rubber?

 

Silicone rubber, also known as a rubber-like material or elastomer, is made up of silicon—a naturally occurring element—along with oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It's extensively used across various industries and comes in several formulations, typically as one- or two-part polymers. Notably non-reactive and stable, silicone rubber can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -55 to 300°C (-70 to 570°F) without losing its valuable characteristics. Its resilience, combined with the simplicity of its production and molding process, has led to its incorporation into a vast array of products. You'll find silicone rubber in everything from electrical insulators and automotive parts to kitchenware for cooking and storing food. It's also used in clothing items like undergarments and sports apparel, as well as in electronics, medical devices, implants, and household repair tools, including silicone sealants.

 

The advantages of silicone rubber

 

High Heat Resistance

 

Silicone's most notable characteristic is its ability to withstand high temperatures, functioning normally in a range from -55 to 300°C (-70 to 570°F). With a heat resistance up to 260°C, silicone rubber is ideal for applications requiring durability under high temperatures, such as in cooking accessories and mechanical equipment exposed to harsh conditions.

 

Safety and Non-Toxicity

 

Unlike many polymers, silicone rubber is derived from silica, a natural mineral. This composition lends silicone its non-toxic and heavy metal-free properties, making it safe for medical devices that come into contact with skin and kitchenware intended for food storage and preparation.

 

Superior Waterproofing

 

Silicone rubber shares its waterproof qualities with plastics, but it exceeds plastic in performance due to its exceptional ductility and elasticity after molding. This makes silicone an excellent choice for manufacturing waterproof seals and O-rings, offering enhanced protection against moisture.

 

Durability and Eco-Friendliness

 

Silicone products are incredibly resilient, boasting high tensile strength and resistance to deformation. This results in a lower failure and replacement rate, which might not be seen as an advantage from a manufacturer's perspective but is certainly a plus for consumers and the environment. Additionally, discarded silicone rubber naturally decomposes over time, underscoring its environmental benefits.

 

Debunking Five Popular Myths About Silicone Rubber

 

Is silicone rubber the same as plastic?

 

No, silicone rubber and plastic are fundamentally different, despite some superficial similarities. Plastics are associated with several environmental issues, including the potential release of harmful chemicals into the environment and human food sources. On the other hand, silicone rubber is a more environmentally friendly material. It does not produce dioxin when burned and does not release toxic substances during heating or use. This makes silicone rubber an attractive alternative, addressing the ecological problems posed by plastics and contributing to its rising popularity.

 

Is silicone rubber considered safe?

 

Silicone rubber, derived from organosilicon, is well-regarded for its chemical stability. This means it's safe to use with food and drinks, as it doesn't interact with them. Experts and regulatory bodies alike consider silicone rubber harmless, with no known health risks associated with its use in cookware. It doesn't emit dangerous fumes either, reinforcing its safety profile.

 

You might wonder if all silicone rubber is food-grade because of its non-toxic nature. The answer hinges on its ability to resist extreme temperatures and chemical interactions without affecting the food. Yet, being deemed "food-grade" requires compliance with FDA standards, which not all silicone rubber meets. There are various types of silicone rubber, each tailored to specific uses.

At GUSN, we source our silicone rubber from internationally recognized suppliers, ensuring a wide selection of high-quality materials for any project. The key to a successful project lies in selecting the right, safe, and trusted silicone rubber materials.

 

Does silicone rubber melt under high heat?

 

Understanding how silicone rubber behaves under heat is crucial. Unlike plastics, which are "thermoplastics" and can melt and be reshaped with heat, silicone rubber is a "thermoset" polymer. This means it becomes stronger when heated and cannot melt or be remolded once it's set. This property allows silicone rubber to resist high temperatures without losing its form.

 

For those concerned about the safety of using silicone utensils like spatulas or spoons while cooking, there's good news. Silicone cookware is designed to endure temperatures up to 230°C, well above the typical cooking oil temperature, which rarely exceeds 200°C. In comparison, plastic items can only tolerate up to 140°C, making silicone a more reliable and safer choice for cooking needs.

 

Can silicone rubber become yellow over time?

 

Have you noticed how silicone phone cases tend to yellow over time? This isn't due to accidental spills from coffee or tea. The yellowing is a natural process, often resulting from the oxidation of sulfur components in the silicone or from exposure to ultraviolet rays and sunlight. While this discoloration doesn't impact the product's quality or durability, it does affect its looks.

 

Silicone rubber does have some resistance to UV light, but yellowing can be influenced by several factors beyond just sun exposure. The quality of the silicone's raw materials, the manufacturing process, and the vulcanizing agents used can all play a role. Opting for high-quality silicone rubber is a key step in minimizing these issues, ensuring that products retain their appearance for longer.

 

Can silicone rubber conduct electricity?

 

Silicone rubber naturally possesses high resistivity, meaning it acts as an insulator. Yet, it's possible to transform silicone rubber into a conductive material by incorporating conductive fillers. For instance, our specialized silicone rubber strips, also known as zebra connectors, are designed to bridge this gap. This modification allows the silicone rubber to effectively conduct electricity, making it a versatile medium for applications like connecting to PCB circuit boards.

 

Conclusion

 

Silicone rubber stands out for its non-toxic nature and safe usage, not qualifying as hazardous waste. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of silicone rubber in any application, prioritize selecting high-quality products backed by an official datasheet without any added fillers. GSUN only sources its materials from reputable suppliers, including Shin-Etsu in Japan, Dowsil in the USA, and WACKER in Germany. Our commitment is to offer clients the best material options to support their business expansion.