TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) and silicone are two different materials with distinct characteristics. Here are some key differences between TPE and silicone, considering three aspects:
Application: TPE and silicone have different properties and are suitable for different applications based on factors such as elasticity, temperature resistance, and abrasion resistance.
Safety: When products come into contact with the human body, it’s important to consider the safety of the materials. Silicone is generally considered safer due to its purer composition, while the safety of TPE depends on its specific formulation.
Cost: TPE is generally cheaper than silicone, so if cost is a significant factor, TPE can be a more economical choice.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the characteristics and performance of these two materials for a better understanding:
TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomers
TPE is a synthetic material that combines the elasticity and durability of rubber with the processability of plastics. It forms a network structure with a conjugated arrangement of hard blocks (typically plastic) and soft blocks (usually rubber). TPE can be processed using methods such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. It offers high elasticity and flexibility.
Softness: TPE exhibits excellent flexibility, typically ranging from Shore A hardness 0 to 100.
Elongation at Break: TPE has a high elongation at break, usually falling within the range of 200% to 1500%.
Temperature Resistance: TPE has a temperature resistance range of approximately -35°C to 80°C.
Odor: TPE contains carbon elements, which can absorb odors. Recycled TPE may be more prone to odor absorption.
Material Aging: TPE tends to age faster compared to silicone.
Silicone: Silicone Rubber
Silicone is a high-polymer material primarily composed of silicon (Si), oxygen (O), carbon (C), and hydrogen (H). It can be categorized as either one-component or two-component silicone. Due to its chemical stability, silicone is widely used in various manufacturing processes.
Softness: Silicone exhibits a softer texture with some toughness. Its hardness typically ranges from 30A to 70A on the Shore A scale.
Elongation at Break: Silicone has a lower elongation at break, usually falling within the range of 90% to 1120%.
Temperature Resistance: Silicone offers good heat resistance, with a temperature range of approximately -40°C to 220°C.
Odor: Silicone has high inertness and does not easily absorb odors. It is odorless.
Material Aging: Silicone has high inertness and ages at a slower rate compared to TPE.
| TPE | Silicone |
|---|
| Production Method | Co-polymerization of soft and hard blocks | Vulcanization and heating molding |
| Production Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Softness | Softer | Flexible |
| Elongation at Break | High | Low |
| Temperature Resistance | -35°C to 80°C | -40°C to 220°C |
| Odors | More prone to odor | Less prone to odor |
| Material Aging | Fast aging | Slow aging |
How to Choose between TPE and Silicone?
To determine whether TPE or silicone is the more suitable material, it’s essential to consider the specific application requirements. Here are some common application areas where each material is often preferred:
TPE:
Automotive Industry: TPE is commonly used for manufacturing automotive parts such as door seals, window seals, and wheel covers.
Sports Equipment: TPE’s lightweight, abrasion resistance, and anti-slip properties make it suitable for sports applications like shoe soles and fitness equipment mats.
Medical Devices: TPE’s biocompatibility makes it suitable for various medical products, including gloves, assistive devices, blood pressure cuffs, and catheters.
Household Items: TPE’s flexibility, comfort, and low cost make it widely used in everyday items such as chair pads, shoe insoles, floor mats, and sofa covers.
Packaging Materials: TPE’s low cost and ability for rapid, high-volume production make it suitable for applications like bottle caps, food packaging, and cosmetic packaging.
Consumer Electronics: TPE’s excellent abrasion resistance, shock resistance, and protective properties make it suitable for manufacturing phone cases, outer protective sleeves for charging/data cables, tablet cases, and headphone cables.
Building Materials: TPE can be used for building applications such as sealing strips for automobiles and building materials, sound insulation strips, and waterproof materials to improve sealing and weather resistance.
Silicone:
Food and Kitchen Utensils: Silicone’s heat resistance and non-toxicity make it widely used in food-related products such as baking mats, baking molds, spatulas, tableware, seasoning bottles, oven gloves, food storage bags, sealing lids, and mats.
Medical Applications: Silicone’s biocompatibility and antibacterial properties make it suitable for medical devices, including surgical instruments, medical equipment (e.g., pacemaker leads, catheters, endotracheal tubes), artificial organs, medical tubing, and implants (e.g., artificial joints, breast implants).
Infant and Baby Products: Due to its stability and safety, silicone is commonly used in high-safety-demand products for infants and babies, such as baby bottles, nipples, and teething toys.
Electrical Appliances: Silicone is used as insulation and sealing material in electrical products, including insulation sheaths for wires and cables and sealing components for electrical switches. Additionally, silicone serves as an excellent electronic component bridge and is widely used in the LED industry.
Construction: Silicone is primarily used as a sealant and caulking material in the construction industry, providing weather resistance, aging resistance, and temperature resistance for applications like glass curtain walls, doors, windows, and pipelines.
Electronics and Telecommunications: Silicone offers mechanical protection, waterproofing, and heat resistance, making it suitable for applications like phone cases, fixing and insulating electronic components, sealing wires and connectors, and more.
Aviation: Silicone serves as a sealant, insulating material, and lubricant in the aviation industry. It is used in aircraft engine components, fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and more.
Green Energy: Silicone plays a role as a sealant and insulating material in the solar energy and wind energy industries. For example, silicone sealants protect solar panels and glass to ensure weather resistance and durability, while silicone sealants are used for sealing wind turbine components.
In summary, it’s recommended to choose the appropriate material based on the specific application and desired properties. Considering factors such as elasticity, temperature resistance, safety, and cost will help ensure the product’s safety, durability, and functionality.