What are the differences between silicone and plastic?

What is the difference between silicone and plastic? From the perspective of the material itself, performance characteristics, and where it can be used: silicone is an elastic polymer material with silicon oxygen bonds, belonging to the rubber category; Plastic is a plastic material mainly composed of polymer resins, and the two differ significantly in chemical composition and physical properties.

1. Chemical composition
From a chemical composition perspective, the main structure of silica gel is a main chain connected by silicon oxygen bonds, without a carbon carbon main chain, which allows it to maintain stability between -60 ℃ and 200 ℃; The main chain of plastic is a high molecular weight resin with a carbon carbon structure, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are prone to softening and deformation at high temperatures. The performance of most plastics will be compromised at temperatures above 80 ℃. DiBo Company found through testing that the molecules of silicone are much more stable than ordinary plastics, so they are not easily deformed at high temperatures.

2. Performance characteristics
In terms of performance, the difference between the two is more pronounced. Silicone has good elasticity and can quickly return to its original shape after being pulled. It is not easy to age, not afraid of sunlight, and will not harden or crack after a long time of use; There are two types of plastics: thermoplastic and thermosetting. Thermoplastic plastics can be processed repeatedly, but they have poor elasticity and are prone to breakage under stress. They can also oxidize and become brittle and discolored after being exposed to the sun for a long time. Dibo Company has conducted experiments and found that good silicone products can last for 5 to 10 years, while ordinary plastics generally age significantly in the same environment after 2 to 3 years. In addition, silicone is not harmful to the human body, it is non-toxic and odorless, and can directly come into contact with food and skin; Some plastics contain harmful substances such as plasticizers and bisphenol A, which may affect health if exposed to them for a long time. This is also the reason why silicone is more commonly used in mother and baby products and medical fields. When purchasing specific products, one should choose according to their corresponding needs, as performance characteristics still have a significant impact on product usage.

3. Place of use
Where they are used differently is precisely because of their different characteristics. Silicone is resistant to high and low temperatures, not easily aged, and has good flexibility. It is commonly used in sealing components for kitchen utensils, medical equipment, and electronic parts. The silicone sealing rings made by Dibo Company for many home appliance companies have been recognized for their good sealing and strong temperature resistance; Plastic has low cost, easy processing, and adjustable hardness, and is more commonly used in packaging materials, toy casings, and daily necessities. In terms of resisting chemical substances, silicone has a stronger resistance to acids, bases, and organic solvents, while plastics are easily corroded by specific chemicals. For example, polyethylene plastics may expand when exposed to alcohol, while silicone does not.

The differences in chemical composition, properties, and applications between silicone and plastic make them suitable for different scenarios. When selecting materials, consideration should be given to the usage environment and performance requirements. Although silicone is more expensive, it has advantages in durability and safety. Plastic is more competitive in terms of cost-effectiveness and processing diversity. Understanding these differences can help us choose materials more reasonably and maximize their effectiveness.