In the rubber and plastic materials field, silicone rubber is From the perspective of professionals in the field, concealing the strong chemical properties of polymer products is challenging. The only common aspect between silicone and PVC is their similar appearance, but they differ in material and performance.
Silicone Products
The silicone material primarily comprises organic silicon compounds that combine silicon atoms. The primary material in silicone is siloxane, the most abundant and connected silicone chain compound. Silicone is insoluble in fusible materials and does not react with any conflicting substances. It can remain stable in any environmental condition. The raw materials for silicone rubber products mainly include silicone oil, siloxane, silicone resin, and silane coupling agents. Silicone is considered one of the rubber and plastic industry’s safest and most environmentally friendly materials.
During use, silicone exhibits excellent environmental adaptability compared to PVC thermoplastic materials. It can be used for long periods in high and low temperatures and various environments without affecting lifespan. Silicone products that undergo solidification have diverse types and outstanding properties, with the following common standard features:
1. Temperature Resistance: Silicone products can withstand high temperatures and are suitable for long-term use within the temperature range of -40 to 230 degrees Celsius.
2. Environmental Adaptability: Silicone exhibits good weather resistance and is not easily oxidized by ultraviolet light or ozone. It can be used generally in natural environments.
3. Biocompatibility: Silicone compounds are known to be the least reactive and inert compounds. They are highly resistant to biological aging, do not cause adverse reactions in the human body, and have good anti-coagulation properties, making them suitable for use in various environments.
4. Tensile Strength: Silicone rubber products have excellent tensile strength. The leading siloxane chains in silicone molecules are delicate and flexible, resulting in solid elasticity and long-term resilience without deformation.
5. Insulation Performance: Silicone materials have excellent electrical insulation properties. Their dielectric loss, voltage resistance, arc resistance, corona resistance, volume resistivity, and surface resistivity rank among the top insulating materials. Therefore, silicone is considered a stable electrical material.
PVC Products
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It mainly comprises vinyl chloride monomers and auxiliary compounds, such as azo compounds, which polymerize under high temperatures. PVC materials can be synthesized into different types of products. Both PVC and silicone gifts are commonly found in the market. PVC material is a white powdery amorphous substance with a density of 1.3 to 1.5. Its glass transition temperature is below 90 degrees Celsius, and its maximum temperature resistance is around 170 degrees Celsius. PVC has relatively low-temperature resistance and can undergo self-decomposition into hydrogen chloride when exposed to temperatures beyond its tolerance range.
The conventional methods for distinguishing PVC are summarized into 2 types:
1.Burning Method:
- Softening or melting temperature range: 75-90°C
- Burning behavior: Self-extinguishing after ignition
- Flame appearance: Yellow flame on top, green flame at the bottom, with smoke
- After removing the fire: extinguish it immediately
- Odor: Irritating and acidic smell. This method is the most direct, usually the preferred choice.
2.Solvent Treatment Method:
- Solvents: Tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone, acetone, dimethylformamide
- Non-solvents: Methanol, acetone, heptane. By immersing the suspected PVC plastic in the above solvents and observing its dissolution, one can determine whether it is PVC. Heating the solvent will make the dissolution effect more pronounced.
What are the differences between silicone and PVC products?
The differences between PVC and silicone can be summarized as follows:
1. Composition: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products are made from PVC, petroleum, and color paste, while silicone products are made from chemical components such as silicone gel and color masterbatch.
2. Appearance: PVC products have a coarser texture, smooth surface, and bright colors. Silicone products are generally transparent and have a softer appearance.
3. Texture and Hardness: PVC has a slightly rough texture compared to silicone, which has a soft and smooth feel. In terms of hardness, silicone can range from 30 to 90, while PVC’s conventional hardness is between 50 and 95. Silicone can achieve lower hardness and greater flexibility compared to PVC.
4. emperature Performance: Silicone exhibits better temperature resistance than PVC. Silicone rubber can withstand temperatures from -40 to 230 degrees Celsius, while PVC softens or melts in the 75-90 degrees Celsius range. Beyond their respective temperature ranges, both materials undergo chemical reactions. Silicone may turn white and burn, while PVC softens and extinguishes upon removal from heat, emitting an irritating and acidic smell.
5. Resilience: Resilience is a significant distinguishing factor between the two materials. Due to its strong molecular structure, silicone has better resilience than PVC, which has more significant dispersion and inferior resilience.
6. Environmental Impact: Both PVC and silicone can be considered environmentally friendly materials. PVC is commonly known as ATBC-PVC, and silicone can pass ROHS certification.
7. Heat and Cold Resistance: Silicone has a higher heat and cold resistance than PVC. Silicone products can be heated in a microwave oven, while PVC products cannot withstand high temperatures.
8. Strength: PVC is generally more robust than silicone, making it suitable for applications that require durability and strength.
9. Flexibility: PVC is more flexible than silicone, making it suitable for applications that require movement or flexibility.
10. Transparency: PVC is less transparent than silicone, so silicone is preferred in applications where visibility is essential.
11. Cost: PVC is generally less expensive than silicone, making it a more budget-friendly option.
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In conclusion, PVC and silicone can be differentiated based on various factors such as texture, color changes over time, hardness, temperature resistance, and resilience. However, it is easier for consumers to distinguish between PVC and silicone products with proper testing or knowledge about the materials.When choosing between PVC and silicone, consider the intended use, environmental factors, flexibility requirements, transparency needs, budget, and other specific project details. Evaluating these factors will help you determine the most suitable material for your application.