What Are the Differences between Liquid Silicone and Solid Silicone?

Liquid silicone is a non-toxic, heat-resistant, highly resilient and flexible thermosetting material, with rheological behavior characterized by low viscosity, rapid curing, shear thinning and a high coefficient of thermal expansion. LSR is a dual liquid fast-curing material with platinum as the catalyst that can be produced in high quantities through injection molding, with repetitive and mechanical production. Its products exhibit good thermal stability, cold resistance, excellent electrical insulation performance and do not produce toxic substances during combustion. Therefore, it has become an irreplaceable material in the production design of health products, automobiles, baby products, medical supplies, diving equipment, kitchen utensils, and seals, among others.

Understanding of liquid silicone

With the continuous upgrading and shuffling of smart hardware, 3C digital and non-mobile phone areas, new materials are also emerging. LSR, as a key material in the medical device field, has unlimited application prospects in the industry.
Liquid silicone is a high-activity absorbent material, and it is an amorphous substance. It is insoluble in water and any solvents, non-toxic, tasteless, and chemically stable. It does not react with any substance except for strong alkalis and hydrogen fluoride.
Liquid silicone is a liquid glue relative to solid high-temperature vulcanized rubber. It has good fluidity, fast curing, safety and environmental protection, and can fully meet food-grade requirements. Its application in the medical industry is very extensive, and its requirements are the most stringent compared to other industries.

Characteristics of liquid silicone

Excellent transparency and tear strength of transparent liquid silicone;
High rebound;
Resistance to yellowing;
Thermal stability;
Good water resistance and air permeability;
Heat aging resistance, weather resistance;
The viscosity of transparent liquid silicone is moderate, easy to operate, and the transparency of the product is high.

Differences between liquid silicone and solid silicone rubber

Shape distinction

Liquid silicone : It is in a liquid state before curing and has fluidity.
Solid silicone rubber : It is in a solid state and has no fluidity.

Application scenarios

Liquid silicone : It is used in industrial products, daily necessities, medical industry, and food products, and can directly contact with the human body and food.
Solid silicone rubber : It is generally used in the field of smart hardware, 3C digital, and non-mobile phones.

Environmental and safety performance

Liquid silicone : It is platinum-cured, non-toxic, tasteless, and is a safe food-grade material.
Solid silicone rubber : It is peroxide-cured, has a smell of vulcanizing agent or covered vulcanizing agent, and is an environmentally friendly material.

Production methods

Liquid silicone : It is produced by fully automated production; the production cycle is short; the material does not require pre-processing, which is more efficient and saves labor; it can be used for two-color injection molding.
Solid silicone rubber : It requires ingredients, compounding, cutting, manual feeding, and other processes, so the efficiency is relatively low.

In the entire application scenarios of liquid silicone and solid silicone rubber, silicone mold is the mother of industry, and standardized design in the early stage is vital. The design needs to be integrated according to the characteristics and application scenarios of liquid silicone. It cannot be separated from the application scenario, and requires thorough consideration in the early research.