Although there is only one word difference between silica gel and silicone rubber, there must be many similarities and differences. The different properties between them are distinguished below.
Silicone and silicone rubber mainly have the following two aspects
First, the difference in concepts
Silica gel, English name Silica gel; Silica; aliases: silicone rubber, silicone rubber, silicon likang. Official name: silicic acid gel, which is a highly active adsorption material, is an amorphous substance, and its chemical formula is mSiO2 nH2O; it does not react with any substance except strong alkali and hydrofluoric acid, and is insoluble in water and any Solvent, non-toxic and tasteless, chemically stable. Various types of silica gel form different microporous structures due to their different manufacturing methods.
The chemical composition and physical structure of silica gel determine that it has many characteristics that other similar materials cannot replace: high adsorption performance, good thermal stability, stable chemical properties, and high mechanical strength.
Silicone rubber refers to the rubber whose main chain is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms alternately, and there are usually two organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Ordinary silicone rubber is mainly composed of silicone chains containing methyl groups and a small amount of vinyl groups. The introduction of phenyl can improve the high and low temperature resistance of silicone rubber, and the introduction of trifluoropropyl and cyano can improve the temperature and oil resistance of silicone rubber.
Silicone rubber has good low temperature resistance, and generally can still work at -55°C. After introducing phenyl, it can reach -73°C. The heat resistance of silicone rubber is also outstanding. It can work for a long time at 180 °C, and it can withstand a few weeks or longer at a temperature slightly higher than 200 °C. It can still withstand high temperatures above 300 °C instantaneously.
Silicone rubber has good air permeability, and its oxygen transmission rate is the highest among synthetic polymers. In addition, silicone rubber also has the outstanding characteristics of being physiologically inert and not causing blood clotting, so it is widely used in the medical field.
Secondly, through the concept between them, we can know that silica gel contains silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is just a branch of silicone.
Silica gel can be divided into organic silicone and inorganic silica gel. Silicone rubber is an inorganic silica gel.
The silicone hose produced by our company uses imported silicone to ensure the quality of the silicone hose product. If you need it, please consult us.