In the diverse world of elastomers, each type of rubber generally has a unique combination of physical, chemical, and functional properties. This combination of features gives each elastomer a unique identity, or signature, that makes it sought after for particular uses. For example, pure gum rubber is prized for its elasticity, while neoprene is often used when a good degree of chemical resistance is required. Some applications will involve the presence of extremely high temperatures. Silicone rubber is the preferred elastomer of choice for those conditions. Silicone rubber material stands out as the most heat resistant elastomer available. In addition to being heat resistant materials, silicone products are also blessed with excellent aging resistance and low toxicity levels.

The elastomer was originally developed to fulfill a need for a material that could act as a good insulator for electric motors and generators. In 1943, the Dow Chemical Company formed Dow Corning in order to research and develop silicone rubber material. Silicone quickly made a name for itself as the go-to rubber for any applications that demanded high temperature materials. Prior to the development of this elastomer, there was no readily available material that could match silicone temperature resistance levels. Nowadays, these heat resistant materials are widely available in everything from medical equipment, automotive items, and even electronics! Generally, their temperature resistance range covers conditions anywhere between -103° F to 500° F.

Silicone products have their own strengths and weaknesses when compared to other types of rubbers. The purpose of this writing is to provide an overview of the strengths of silicone rubber material when it is compared to other popular rubbers that are available on the market.

• Silicone vs. Natural Rubber: A low compression set, good elasticity and water swell resistance are properties shared between both rubbers. Natural rubber sets itself apart with its excellent abrasion and tear resistance. However, silicone temperature resistance is by far superior to anything seen with natural rubber. When you need high temperature materials, you would definitely choose silicone over natural rubber because it can maintain its stability in harsh conditions.

• Silicone vs. SBR: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is similar to natural rubber in that it has excellent abrasion resistance, which is ideal in dynamic applications involving physical demands. SBR is also very inexpensive, which is why its one of the most common types of elastomers. Silicone rubber material comes at a much more premium price than SBR and lacks the physical abrasion resistance of SBR, but it offers an unmatched level of heat resistance over a wide range of temperatures and better aging resistance.

• Silicone vs. NBR: Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is a popular elastomer to use in gasket and seal applications due to its unrivaled resistance to petroleum products. It also has a good resistance to abrasions and tearing. NBR works well in low to temperatures. This may start to sound like a broken record, but the silicone elastomer’s properties of exceptional heat resistance and aging resistance are what distinguish silicone rubber material from NBR.

• Silicone vs. EPDM: Both EPDM and silicone are the most ozone-, UV- and weathering-resistant elastomers. The former rubber has moderate abrasion, tear and heat aging resistance. EPDM is also popular for outdoor use. Manufacturers will buy silicone over EPDM if there are 300° F and higher conditions, or if there the application involves food processing. Silicone rubber material is chemically inert, which makes it ideal for food packaging and processing applications because it does not contaminate anything. They may be heat resistant materials, but overall they are cleaner.

• Silicone vs. Neoprene: Neoprene, which has a reputation as a good general purpose rubber, offers resistances in many areas, most notably being its moderate tear and abrasion resistance and its low compression set. Silicone rubber material has an edge over neoprene with its better resistance to ozone, UV rays and weathering, as well as a higher resistance to water swelling. Silicone is also gifted with a large operating temperature range, much higher than neoprene, making it a better choice over neoprene whenever high temperature materials are needed.

Silicone products are by far the ideal elastomer choice for applications involving extreme temperature conditions. Silicone heat resistant materials can generally operate in temperatures as high as 500° F. At the same time, silicone temperature resistance also covers extremely low temperatures reaching below -100° F. Silicone rubber material is also non-toxic and chemically inert, making it ideal for use in sensitive applications involving chemicals or consumables. The primary function of this elastomer, however, is in high temperature applications. It is what silicone rubber is famous for.