Difference Between Liquid Silicone and Silicone

                             Difference Between Liquid Silicone and Silicone

     Liquid silicone and silicone are two different forms of silicone materials. Below is a detailed explanation of the specific differences between liquid silicone and silicone from the following 8 aspects:

     1. Different material compositions

     Liquid silicone and silicone are both silicon-based materials, but their composition is different.

    (1) Liquid silicone is a silicone sealant that solidifies at low temperatures. Its molecular structure is unstable and it is mainly an organic polymer material polymerized from dimethyl silicone. Its physical properties are also excellent, such as good toughness, no color change, no flow, corrosion resistance, and high and low temperature resistance. Liquid silicone is widely used in fields such as electronics, industry, automotive, and construction, mainly as a sealing agent, thermal insulation coating, electronic adhesive, etc.

    (2) Silicone is a component formed by the decomposition of ternary silane and water or a solid inorganic polymer material formed by the oxidation of hexasilane and air. Its molecular structure is stable, nonvolatile, nonflammable, non oil absorbing, and has many excellent characteristics such as high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, aging resistance, etc. Silicone is commonly used in fields such as electronics, food, medicine, cosmetics, etc., as a rubber toughening agent, adsorbent, antioxidant, waterproof agent, etc.

     2. Form and Usage

    (1) Liquid silicone: Liquid silicone appears in a flowing state, similar to liquid or semi-solid. It usually appears in the form of a gel or liquid and can be injected or coated on surfaces that require protection, sealing, or filling.

    (2) Silicone: Silicone appears in a solid or semi-solid form, usually in the form of blocks, powders, or particles. Silicone is mainly used to make molded products, such as sealing rings, keyboard pads, etc.

     3. Physical properties

    (1) Liquid silicone: Liquid silicone has stretchability, elasticity, pressure resistance, and wear resistance. High plasticity and deformation ability can adapt to the filling needs of irregular surfaces. And with high flexibility and ductility, it can withstand a certain amount of tension and compression without breaking. Liquid silicone appears semi transparent after drying and has a smooth surface.

    (2) Silicone: Silicone is harder than liquid silicone, and it also has strong hydrophilicity and adsorption performance. Good elasticity and resilience, able to restore to its original shape. Its hardness can be adjusted as needed, ranging from very soft elastomers to harder plastics. Generally, silica gel appears white or yellow after drying, with a porous and tear resistant surface.

     4. Curing process

    (1) Liquid silicone: Liquid silicone generally requires natural curing at room temperature, which takes a long time and may take several hours or days to fully cure.

    (2) Silicone: The curing process of silicone is relatively fast, usually requiring heating at specific temperatures or placing under specific conditions to accelerate curing.

    5. Application scope

   (1) Liquid silicone is mainly used to manufacture processing aids, lubricants, defoamers, heat transfer media, etc. for various materials such as plastics, rubber, textiles, etc. In addition, liquid silicone is often used to manufacture high-strength and highly elastic silicone rubber products, such as solar panels, electronic components, etc.

   (2) Silicone: Silicone is widely used in mold manufacturing, medical devices (manufacturing biomedical materials, manufacturing bone scaffolds, etc.), food packaging, electronic component protection, etc. Due to its excellent heat resistance and chemical stability, silicone is also used in fields such as moisture-proof, mold proof, adsorption, and preservation (high-temperature sealing components, waterproof adhesives, food molds, etc.)

     6. Cost and preparation method

    (1) Liquid silicone: Due to its relatively simple preparation process and lower manufacturing cost, liquid silicone is more economical and practical in certain application scenarios.

    (2) Silicone: The manufacturing process of silicone is relatively complex, requiring high raw material and preparation process costs. This leads to a relatively high price for silicone, but due to its unique performance, it is still widely used.

     7. High temperature performance

    (1) Liquid silicone: Liquid silicone has good high-temperature resistance and can maintain stability in high-temperature environments. Some special liquid silicone can even withstand extremely high temperatures, reaching several hundred degrees Celsius.

    (2) Silicone: Silicone has excellent high-temperature resistance and can maintain outstanding stability at higher temperatures. Usually, silicone has a high temperature resistance range of several hundred degrees Celsius.

     8. Cost and preparation method

    (1) Liquid silicone: Due to its relatively simple preparation process and lower manufacturing cost, liquid silicone is more economical and practical in certain application scenarios.

    (2) Silicone: The manufacturing process of silicone is relatively complex, requiring high raw material and preparation process costs. This leads to a relatively high price for silicone, but due to its unique performance, it is still widely used.

     In summary, there are significant differences between liquid silicone and silicone in terms of morphology, physical properties, curing process, application range, high-temperature performance, and cost. Based on specific usage requirements and material characteristics, selecting the appropriate silicone material can ensure the best usage effect.

     For sex toy products industry, actually both silicone and liquid silicone are widely used. Like for sex doll, dildo, masturbation cup, etc.  Sex toy doll using silicone will be more realistic. But for the sex toy products requiring more soft surface, the liquid silicone will be nice choice.