Organic Silicone VS Inorganic Silicone
Here is the detailed comparison between organic silicone gel and inorganic silicone gel translated into English:
I. Basic Structure and Composition
Organic Silicone Gel:
Organic silicone gel is a special type of synthetic rubber, which can be either solid or liquid. The liquid form is classified based on its vulcanization temperature: room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) and high-temperature vulcanizing types.
The basic structural unit is made up of a siloxane chain, with side chains bonded to various organic groups via silicon atoms. Therefore, organic silicone rubber products contain both "organic groups" and "inorganic structures."
Inorganic Silicone Gel:
The chemical formula is mSiO2·nH2O, and it is a highly active adsorbent material, classified as an amorphous substance.
It is a porous material composed of silica gel formed by appropriately dehydrating silicate. The size of the particles can vary, and the primary component is silica (SiO2) with a large molecular network structure. The molecules are primarily connected by hydrogen bonds.
II. Physical and Chemical Properties
Organic Silicone Gel:
Weather-resistant, capable of withstanding high and low temperatures, and remains stable in both chemical and physical mechanical properties across a wide range of temperatures.
Insulating, with low surface tension, and excellent electrical insulation performance.
Soft, elastic, and well-known for its tensile strength and waterproof properties.
Inorganic Silicone Gel:
High adsorption capacity, able to adsorb a wide range of substances and retain water vapor.
Excellent thermal stability and chemical inertness, it does not react with most substances except for strong alkalis and hydrofluoric acid.
High mechanical strength, very hard and brittle, and has excellent flame-retardant properties.
III. Applications
Organic Silicone Gel:
Widely used in aerospace, electronics, electrical engineering, construction, transportation, chemicals, textiles, food, light industry, medicine, and other industries.
It is primarily used to manufacture tires, seals, adhesives, plastics, coatings, and is also used in optical device polishing.
Inorganic Silicone Gel:
Primarily used to produce polymer composite materials, fillers, and coatings.
It also has extensive applications in gas drying, gas absorption, liquid dehydration, and color layer analysis.
Additionally used as a catalyst carrier, matting agent, and toothpaste abrasive.