Views: 1 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-13 Origin: Site
Rubber and silicone are both common elastomer materials, but they have obvious differences in physical properties, weather resistance, processing methods and application fields. Correct material selection ensures product durability, safety and cost-effectiveness.
1. Differences in raw materials and structure
Rubber
Natural rubber (NR) or synthetic rubber (such as NBR, EPDM, SBR, etc.).
The molecular chain is mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen, and has good elasticity, but poor weather resistance.
Silicone (SI)
A polymer compound with silicon oxygen chain (Si–O) as the main body.
Stable structure, high and low temperature resistance, and excellent weather resistance.
2. Physical property comparison table
characteristic | Rubber | Silicone |
Hardness range | 30–95 Shore A | 20–80 Shore A |
Temperature resistance range | -40 ~ +120°C (depending on material) | -60 ~ +230°C |
Weather resistance / UV resistance | Ordinary (need to choose EPDM, CR to be weather-resistant) | Excellent |
Oil resistance | NBR, FKM, etc. are better | General, non-expertise |
elasticity | High elasticity, quick rebound | Soft and comfortable, but slightly less elastic |
transparency | opaque | Can be made transparent or translucent |
cost | Medium to low, varies greatly depending on material | Medium to high, medical level is higher |
odor | Some rubber has a glue smell | Virtually odorless and non-toxic |
3. Application material selection guide
✅Suitable for situations where rubber is used
Need oil resistance → NBR (automobile and motorcycle oil seals, oil pipes, seals)
Need to be wear-resistant → SBR, PU (tires, mats, industrial rollers)
Requires weather resistance & outdoor use → EPDM (automotive sealing strips, building waterproofing parts)
Need high temperature resistance & chemical resistance → FKM (chemical, aviation parts)
✅Suitable for situations where silicone is used
Food grade/non-toxic requirements →pacifiers, straws, infant products
Medical equipment → breathing tubes, nasal aspirators, catheters
High and low temperature environments → Freezing equipment seals, oven gaskets
Need to be transparent or soft and comfortable → Cup lid, waterproof plug for mobile phone, dust cover
4. Cost and processing considerations
Rubber : There are many types of materials and high price flexibility, suitable for large-volume industrial parts.
Silicone : relatively high unit price, but meets food grade and medical grade requirements and is suitable for high value-added products.
5. Conclusion
If you need to be resistant to high and low temperatures, non-toxic, and weather-resistant → silicone is the first choice.
If oil resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, and cost control are required → rubber is more suitable.
In many designs, rubber + silicone are also used together , and materials are selected according to different environments and functions.
