Differences Between Liquid Silicone Rubber and Natural Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is an important organic polymer material that has been widely used in aerospace, electronics, construction, automotive, and other industries. This article will explore the differences between liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and natural silicone rubber, helping readers better understand the properties and applications of these two materials.
1. Definition and Composition
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): LSR, also known as two-component addition silicone rubber, is a type of silicone rubber characterized by good fluidity and fast curing. Its main component is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), synthesized through chemical processes. LSR can cure at room temperature or under high heat, with high-temperature curing taking only a few seconds.
Natural Silicone Rubber: Natural silicone rubber is derived from natural mineral diatomaceous earth (SiO2·nH2O), and its main component is also silicon dioxide (SiO2). It has excellent heat insulation and waterproof properties, a high density, resistance to mechanical wear, and the ability to absorb moisture and organic substances.
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): LSR has high transparency, softness, and elasticity. After curing, it doesn't shrink or deform. It is chemically stable, resistant to high and low temperatures, wear-resistant, and resistant to chemical corrosion. LSR is widely used in electronics, automotive, household appliances, toys, lighting, and for making injection molds, seals, and electronic components. Additionally, LSR can be mixed with conductive, thermal, and wave-conducting materials to impart specific functionalities.
Natural Silicone Rubber: Natural silicone rubber is known for its outstanding heat insulation and waterproof properties, making it suitable for food preservation, electronic products, and medical devices. Its high density and wear-resistant nature allow it to excel in these applications.
3. Applications
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): LSR has a wide range of applications. In the electronics industry, it is commonly used as a moisture-proof coating, packaging, and insulating material for electronic components. It is also used to manufacture molds for forming products made of plaster, wax, epoxy resin, polyester resin, and polyurethane resin. Additionally, it is used in medical applications such as artificial breast fillers.
Natural Silicone Rubber: Natural silicone rubber excels in food preservation, electronic products, and medical devices. Due to its non-toxic, odorless, and safe properties, it is often used in making baby bottle nipples, tableware, and medical equipment.
4. Classification and Forms
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): LSR can be classified into single-component and two-component liquid silicone rubbers based on packaging form. It can also be divided into condensation-type and addition-type liquid silicone rubbers based on cross-linking mechanisms.
Natural Silicone Rubber: Due to its natural composition and processing methods, natural silicone rubber typically exhibits more uniform characteristics and forms.
5. Conclusion
There are significant differences between liquid silicone rubber and natural silicone rubber in terms of composition, physical and chemical properties, application fields, and classification. LSR features good fluidity, fast curing, high transparency, softness, and elasticity, making it suitable for a variety of industries such as electronics, automotive, and medical. In contrast, natural silicone rubber is known for its excellent heat insulation, waterproof properties, and high density, making it ideal for applications in food preservation, electronics, and medical devices.