There are many varieties of liquid silicone. According to different molecular structures, uses, vulcanization methods, etc., they can be divided into the following categories:
1. Classification by molecular structure
Telechelic liquid silicone: functional groups are at both ends of the molecular structure.
Non-telechelic liquid silicone: active functional groups are randomly distributed in the main chain.
2. Classification by use
Baby products: such as nipples, bottles, pacifiers, silicone water cups, teethers, spoons, bowls and other baby feeding products and toys. These products are required to be non-toxic, odorless, colorless, and have good softness and durability.
Medical supplies: such as infusion catheters, oxygen mask bottles, laryngeal masks, dental pads, masks, catheters, air bags, medical bandages, breathing masks, etc. These products are required to have high biocompatibility, non-toxicity and antibacterial properties.
Electronic products: such as mobile phone waterproof accessories (rubber-coated USB connectors, earphones, card trays, mobile phone rubber-coated covers, glass tempered film rubber-coated covers, etc.), silicone connectors, covers, watch straps, O-rings, valves, waterproof seals, etc. These products require excellent insulation, high and low temperature resistance and aging resistance.
Adult products: such as skipping ropes, toy leather cases, massage sticks, etc. These products require good softness and durability, and at the same time need to meet certain hygiene standards.
Diving products: such as silicone-coated swimming goggles, rubber-coated diving goggles, swimming goggles straps, diving goggles straps, etc. These products require excellent water resistance and aging resistance.
Other uses: such as gypsum, wax, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin and low-melting-point alloy product molding molds, as well as high-frequency embossing of artificial leather, upper and lower modeling of shoes, and the manufacture of arts and crafts.
3. Classification by vulcanization method
Room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV): It can be cured in situ at room temperature without heating or pressurization, and is extremely convenient to use.
Addition type liquid silicone: also known as low temperature vulcanized silicone (LTV), it can achieve good curing effect at slightly higher than room temperature (50~150℃).
Two-component addition type liquid silicone: It is the most common type of liquid silicone, composed of base material, cross-linking agent and catalyst, with excellent electrical properties and chemical stability, water resistance, ozone resistance, weather aging resistance, and widely used as potting and molding materials.
4. Other special varieties
Methyl liquid silicone: It is an old variety of general silicone, with the advantages of water resistance, ozone resistance, arc resistance, corona resistance and weather aging resistance, and is widely used as a potting and sealing material for electronic and electrical components.
Methyl biphenyl liquid silicone: In addition to the excellent properties of methyl liquid silicone, it also has a wider operating temperature range (-100~250℃).
In summary, liquid silicone has a wide variety of products, covering many fields such as baby products, medical products, electronic products, adult products, diving products, etc., and can be further subdivided according to different vulcanization methods. When choosing liquid silicone products, you need to choose according to specific application scenarios and needs.