Silicone resin and silicone rubber are two kinds of silicone materials widely used in different fields, each of which has unique chemical structure and performance characteristics.This article will introduce the difference between silicone resin and silicone rubber in detail from the aspects of chemical structure, performance characteristics, application fields, etc.


1. Chemical structure


Silicone resin (Silicone resin) is a kind of polymer compound, mainly composed of siloxane bonds (Si-O-Si) to form the main chain, and organic groups are connected to the silicon atoms.This unique chemical structure gives silicone resin a high degree of cross-linked structure, making it both organic resin and inorganic material dual characteristics.Silicone resin can be further condensed into a highly crosslinked hard and brittle resin at high temperatures to form a stable mesh structure.


Silicone rubber (Silicone rubber) is a linear polymer elastomer with Si-O as the main chain.Under the action of a catalyst, silicone rubber can be condensed and synthesized into an elastomer with several crosslinking points.The molecular structure of silicone rubber is relatively flexible and can form an elastic polymer chain.


2. Performance characteristics


Performance characteristics of silicone resin
Silicone resin has extremely high thermal stability, electrical insulation, weather resistance, water resistance and chemical resistance.Its high temperature resistance is particularly outstanding, and it can maintain stability under extreme temperature conditions, so it is widely used in aerospace, electronic components and other fields.In addition, silicone resin also has good adhesion and can be used to prepare adhesives and coatings.


The weather resistance of silicone resin is also one of the highlights.Even under strong ultraviolet radiation, silicone resin is not easy to yellow, and its performance can be maintained for a long time.This weather resistance makes silicone resin have broad application prospects in outdoor construction, automobile manufacturing and other fields.


Performance characteristics of silicone rubber
The high and low temperature resistance of silicone rubber is very outstanding, and it can maintain elasticity in a wide temperature range of -55℃ to 350℃.This allows silicone rubber to maintain its physical and mechanical properties under extreme temperature conditions, so it is widely used in aerospace, medical equipment and other fields.In addition, silicone rubber also has excellent breathability and physiological inertness, and will not have adverse effects on the human body, so it has unique advantages in the medical field.


The electrical properties of silicone rubber are also very excellent, and its electrical insulation properties change little when it is dampened, frequency changes, or temperature rises.At the same time, the silica generated after the combustion of silicone rubber is still an insulator, which further enhances its electrical safety.


Third, the application field


Application areas of silicone resin
Because of its diversity and good properties, silicone resins have shown wide application prospects in many fields.In the field of electronics and electrical, silicone resins are used in the manufacture of electronic components, wire insulation materials, and circuit board coatings.In the chemical industry, silicone resin is a common choice for corrosion-resistant coatings, sealants and anti-corrosion coatings.In addition, silicone resin is also widely used in the aerospace field, used in the manufacture of high-temperature silicone resin materials and coatings.


Application areas of silicone rubber
Silicone rubber has a wide range of applications.In the aerospace field, silicone rubber is used in the manufacture of various silicone rubber products, such as seals, insulation materials, etc.In the field of medical devices, silicone rubber is used in the manufacture of various medical devices and implants because of its physiological inertness and non-toxic and odorless characteristics.In addition, silicone rubber is also widely used in automobile manufacturing, electrical and electronic, construction and other fields, and is used in the manufacture of seals, shock absorbers, insulation materials, etc.


Fourth, summary


In summary, there are significant differences between silicone resins and silicone rubber in terms of chemical structure, performance characteristics and application fields.Silicone resin has a high degree of cross-linked structure and excellent high temperature resistance and weather resistance. It is suitable for electrical and electronic, chemical and aerospace fields.On the other hand, silicone rubber has the characteristics of wide high and low temperature resistance, excellent breathability and electrical properties, and is suitable for medical equipment, automobile manufacturing and construction.Understanding these differences helps us better choose and use these two silicone materials.