The main difference between elastomeric and silicone is that elastomeric sealants are known for their exceptional flexibility and resistance to weathering, making them suitable for construction and industrial applications, while silicone sealants excel in extreme weather conditions, high temperatures, and exposure to UV radiation, making them ideal for outdoor applications and bonding glass surfaces.
Elastomeric materials and silicone represent two distinct yet highly versatile categories of polymers that find widespread application across various industries. These materials have unique properties, which include flexibility, resilience, and biocompatibility.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Elastomeric
– Definition, Features
2. What is Silicone
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Elastomeric and Silicone
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Elastomeric and Silicone
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Elastomeric, Silicone, Sealant
What is Elastomeric
Elastomeric sealants are a class of versatile materials used for sealing and bonding in various industries, including construction, automotive, marine, and manufacturing. These sealants are based on elastomers, which are synthetic polymers known for their exceptional elasticity and flexibility.
Properties of Elastomeric Sealants
- Elastomeric sealants are highly flexible and have excellent elongation properties. They can stretch and compress with movement, accommodating joint expansion and contraction without rupturing or losing their adhesive strength. This flexibility is especially crucial in areas with dynamic movement, such as expansion joints and building facades.
- Elastomeric sealants also offer good resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and harsh environmental conditions. They can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations without degradation, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Moreover, elastomeric sealants adhere well to a wide range of substrates, including concrete, metal, glass, wood, plastics, and masonry. Their ability to bond effectively to different materials makes them suitable for a variety of sealing and bonding tasks.
- Elastomeric sealants also display long-lasting performance. They can retain their sealing properties for long periods, contributing to the longevity and integrity of structures and assemblies.
- Elastomeric sealants may exhibit resistance to certain chemicals, oils, and solvents. This property enhances their suitability for applications where exposure to chemical substances is a concern.
- Some elastomeric sealants have the additional advantage of being paintable. This allows them to be used in applications where color matching or aesthetic considerations are important.
Applications of Elastomeric Sealants
Elastomeric sealants find widespread use in different industries and applications. They are commonly used in construction for sealing gaps, joints, and cracks in buildings and infrastructure. In the automotive sector, they enhance water and air resistance in vehicle windows and joints. Marine and shipbuilding industries use them to seal seams and protect against water intrusion. These sealants are also utilized in manufacturing processes, electronics, and electrical applications for bonding, sealing, and insulating. Additionally, they are popular in home improvement projects to improve energy efficiency and prevent drafts by sealing gaps around windows and doors.
What is Silicone
Silicone sealers are a type of synthetic polymer made up of repeating units of silicon-oxygen (Si-O) bonds, often with organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms. These organic groups grant silicone sealers their versatile properties and adaptability. The backbone of silicone sealers consists of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, creating a unique structure that contributes to their exceptional characteristics.
Figure 1: Silicone Sealant
The manufacturing process of silicone involves various methods, including the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) to produce polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is one of the most common types of silicone. Additional processing steps, such as cross-linking or adding other materials, can modify the properties of silicone to suit specific applications. This flexibility in processing allows for the creation of various silicone products, including elastomers (silicone rubber), resins, fluids, gels, sealants, and adhesives.
Properties of Silicone
- One of the most exceptional features of silicone is its high-temperature stability. It can withstand extreme heat and cold without losing its mechanical properties or breaking down. This property makes silicone an ideal material for applications that involve exposure to wide temperature ranges.
- Silicone exhibits excellent flexibility and elasticity, allowing it to deform and recover its original shape without permanent deformation. This characteristic is crucial for applications that require materials to undergo repeated stress or movement.
- Silicone displays good resistance to many chemicals, oils, and solvents, which adds to its durability and stability in various environments.
- Silicone is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This property makes it highly effective in applications that require water resistance, such as in sealants, waterproof coatings, and electrical enclosures.
Applications of Silicone Sealants
Silicone sealants are preferred for applications that require resistance to high temperatures, UV exposure, and weathering. They are useful in automotive, aerospace, electronics, and high-temperature industrial applications.
Similarities Between Elastomeric and Silicone
- Both elastomeric and silicone materials are polymers.
- One of the primary similarities between elastomeric and silicone materials is their excellent elasticity and flexibility.
- They both exhibit the ability to deform under stress and return to their original shape after removing the stress.
Difference Between Elastomeric and Silicone
Definition
Elastomeric sealants are materials typically made from a blend of polymers, including butyl, polyurethane, or acrylic, whereas silicone sealants are primarily composed of silicone polymers.
Flexibility
Elastomeric sealants are highly flexible and can stretch or compress with movement in the substrate without losing their sealing properties. Silicone sealants are also flexible but are known for their exceptional elasticity and ability to maintain flexibility over a wide temperature range.
Adhesion
Moreover, elastomeric sealants have good adhesion to a variety of substrates, including concrete, wood, and metal, while silicone sealants have excellent adhesion to non-porous surfaces like glass, ceramic, and metals.
Durability
Elastomeric sealants offer good durability and resistance to weathering, but their performance may degrade faster when exposed to extreme temperature variations. Silicone sealants are highly durable and can withstand prolonged exposure to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather conditions.
Temperature Resistance
While elastomeric sealants provide moderate resistance to temperature extremes, silicone sealants provide excellent resistance to high temperatures.
Applications
Elastomeric sealants are commonly used in construction for sealing joints, gaps, and cracks in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. They are also useful in automotive, marine, industrial, and home improvement applications. Silicone sealants are preferred for applications that require resistance to high temperatures, UV exposure, and weathering. Moreover, they are useful in automotive, aerospace, electronics, and high-temperature industrial applications.
Conclusion
The main difference between elastomeric and silicone is their properties and applications. Elastomeric sealants showcase exceptional flexibility and resistance to weathering, making them suitable for construction and industrial applications. On the other hand, silicone sealants excel in extreme weather conditions, high temperatures, and exposure to UV radiation, making them ideal for outdoor applications and bonding glass surfaces.
Reference:
1. “What is Elastomeric Sealant?” About Mechanics.
2. “Silicone Safety: Risks, Exposure Sources, Is Silicone Toxic & More.” HealthLine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Carlisle HVAC Multi-Purpose Silicone Sealant Cartridge (Clear – 10.3 oz./305 ml)” By Hardcast (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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