I. Silicone is a thermosetting elastomer
Silicone is a special type of rubber that, after cross-linking, possesses good mechanical strength, wear resistance, and high-temperature resistance. It belongs to thermosetting rubber, which does not melt upon reheating after vulcanization. At excessively high temperatures, it will burn, and the complete combustion products are water and silicon dioxide.
II.TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer
TPE is a general term for various elastomeric materials that exhibit rubber-like elasticity at room temperature and can melt and flow at high temperatures. It can be processed using standard thermoplastic molding machines, requiring no special processing equipment and no or very short vulcanization time, significantly improving production efficiency and effectively saving energy. It is easy to recycle and reduces costs; used TPE products can be easily regenerated and reused, minimizing environmental pollution, expanding the sources of recycled materials, and broadening the application fields.
The differences between the two can be distinguished as follows:
♦ Based on Structural Analysis:
Silicone is an elastomer with a main chain connected by silicon-oxygen bonds, and the side chains are generally methyl groups (CH3). TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a thermoplastic elastomer that includes styrenic, olefinic, and polyurethane types. The main structural difference between the two is that one has a Si-O structure, while the other has a C-C structure.
♦ Based on Processing Performance:
Silicone requires vulcanization and heating for shaping, making it difficult to process. TPE, on the other hand, can be processed and shaped without vulcanization, making production and processing simpler.
♦ Based on High-Temperature Resistance:
Silicone performs better in terms of high-temperature resistance. TPE is less effective in this regard, with silicone having an advantage over TPE in high-temperature applications.
♦ Based on Price:
Silicone is generally more expensive than standard TPE. In terms of price, TPE has an advantage, except for special TPE materials with characteristics such as halogen-free flame retardancy or food-grade properties.
♦ Based on Cost:
Silicone waste cannot be recycled, while TPE waste and scrap can be completely recycled and reused. TPE can save more costs.
| TPE/TPR | Silicone | |
| Molding Method | Thermoplastic | Thermosetting |
| Cost | Low | High |
| Processing | No vulcanization required | Requires vulcanization and heating |
| Temperature Range | 130-150°C | 200-300°C |
| Recyclability | Yes | No |
| Flexibility | Good | Tough |
| Elongation | High | Low |
| Environmental Protection | Recyclable and non-toxic, Carbon Emission Reduction |
Difficult to decompose High recycling difficulty |
| Food Grade Safety | Pass food safety certification | Widely used in food contact applications |
| Elasticity | Wide hardness range | High elasticity, soft |
| Chemical Solvent Resistance | Yes | Better |
Advantages of TPE / TPR:
- Lower cost → Affordable, suitable for mass production
- Recyclable and reusable → TPE/TPR is a thermoplastic material that can be remelted and reshaped
- Simple molding process → Can be molded using injection molding or extrusion, easy to coat with plastic products
- Adjustable hardness → Formulation can be adjusted from soft to hard
- Good wear resistance → Suitable for handles, foot pads, and tool grips
Applications of TPE / TPR:
Medical supplies, sports equipment, tools, stationery, 3C products, household items, automotive and industrial applications, toys, kitchenware.