There are significant differences between silicone and silicone gel in composition and structure, physical state and processing method, hardness and elasticity, application field and characteristic performance. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Composition and structure
Silicone: The main component is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with the chemical formula of mSiO₂·nH₂O. It is a highly active adsorption material and belongs to amorphous substances. It is insoluble in water and any solvent, non-toxic and odorless, with stable chemical properties, and does not react with any substance except strong alkali and hydrofluoric acid.
Silicone gel: It is a kind of addition-type silicone and belongs to organic silicon compounds. It contains Si-C bonds, and at least one organic group is directly connected to the silicon atom. Silicone gel is usually further processed by polysiloxane with a silicon oxygen bond (-Si-O-Si-) as the skeleton.
2. Physical state and processing method
Silicone: Mostly solid, made by solid molding processing methods such as high-temperature molding. It has good softness, and the hardness is usually between 20-80 degrees.
Silicone gel: It is liquid before molding and has fluidity. It can be processed by liquid molding methods such as pouring and potting. After solidification, it is in a semi-solid state and is as soft as jelly, so it is also called jelly glue.
3. Hardness and elasticity
Silicone gel: Although soft, its hardness is limited to a certain range. When the product is too hard or too soft, it may not meet specific needs and needs to be replaced by other materials.
Silicone gel: It has super soft characteristics, hardness can reach -40 degrees, and has high purity and strong elasticity. It can heal automatically after being squeezed and damaged, and its density can play a moisture-proof and waterproof role.
4. Application fields
Silicone gel: It is widely used, including as a desiccant, adsorbent, catalyst carrier, oil hydrocarbon decolorizer, etc. In daily life and industrial production, silicone is also commonly used to make sealing rings, silicone bowls, silicone ice trays and other products.
Silicone gel: Due to its super soft characteristics and good sealing properties, silicone gel is mostly used in occasions that require high softness and sealing properties. For example, it can be used as a waterproof, moisture-proof, and gas-proof coating, casting, and potting protective material for precision electronic components, backlight sources, and electrical modules. In addition, silicone gel can also be used to make silicone breast pads, silicone foot pads, and other human health products.
5. Performance of characteristics
Silicone gel: It has the characteristics of high adsorption performance, good thermal stability, and stable chemical properties.
Silicone gel: In addition to some basic properties of silicone, it also exhibits stronger environmental adaptability, automatic healing ability, and high temperature resistance.