[Is silicone rubber plastic?]

The primary substance of silicone rubber is silica from mineral. It’s a silicone compound with traits quite similar to those of plastic but actually entirely different material.

There is no need for additives or plasticizer when making silicone rubber products. Silicone rubber can endure heat up to 200 degrees Celsius, no softening, deformation, or toxin released. No chemical reactions with acid or alkali. No fumes or smells will be produced when incinerated; the final result is white ashes that will return to the nature, no harm and burden to the environment.

 

[Types of Silicone Rubber]

Solid / Liquid types of silicone rubber

The material of solid silicone rubber is a piece of solid gel. Curing agents are added and mixed before production. The processed material is then put into moldings to be pressed and heated to complete the shaping.

On the other hand, liquid silicone rubber comes in liquid form. Combine material A and B, pour directly into the moldings, no additives necessary, and the shaping is completed after heating.


[Differences between liquid and solid silicone rubber]


Liquid silicone rubber is food grade, non-toxic, odorless, complying with the rules of FDA food safety act; therefore it is widely used on products contacting human body and food, such as baby bottle nipples and pacifiers. Medical grade liquid silicone rubber is used massively in medical equipment and implants.

The productions of liquid silicone rubber products are majorly by machines with limited human intervention and the shaping is fast. The process is suitable for mass production with the advantages of low impurity rate, high product precision, and high production efficiency, but the downside is high molding cost

Solid silicone rubber can be divided into industrial, food, and medical grades. The general costs of production are lower. Performances in strength and tear resistance are inferior to those of liquid silicone rubber. And products usually release unpleasant odors as additives have been added in the production process.