Is Silicone a Plastic?

The question of whether silicone is plastic is common, given the similarities in uses and synthetic origins. However, their chemical makeup and production processes reveal distinct differences between the two materials.

Silicone, chemically known as polysiloxane, is made from silica. Its backbone is made of silicon and oxygen, a departure from the typical carbon and hydrogen backbone in conventional plastics. This unique structure gives silicone remarkable properties like high heat resistance, flexibility and durability.

In contrast, plastics are primarily made from petroleum and natural gas. These materials fall under the category of polymers called polyolefins, which include popular types like polyethene and polypropylene. The production of plastics involves the polymerisation of refined oil or gas products, which links thousands of small carbon-based molecules into long chains.

Silicone is often touted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic because it is more durable, less reactive and more resistant to degradation from external elements. It does not release harmful chemicals upon degradation and is non-toxic, factors that contribute to its preference in food-related and medical applications.

Plastics, however, have raised significant environmental concerns, primarily due to issues like pollution and challenges with recycling. Most plastics are not biodegradable and take hundreds of years to break down, with large amounts accumulating in landfills and oceans.

Silicone Vs Plastic

Understanding the basics of each material will help you decide which one is the best for your business.

Silicone is an incredibly versatile, synthetic polymer made from silica. Unlike plastics, silicone can withstand extreme temperatures and is highly resistant to severe weathering, ozone radiation and UV light. This makes silicone an ideal choice for both high-temperature applications and outdoor use. It's also celebrated for flexibility and low toxicity, making it safe for food and medical applications. Plus, it doesn't support microbial growth or react with other materials, maintaining integrity over time.

Uses of silicone in industries include:

• Sealants, gaskets and adhesives in the construction and automotive sectors
• Medical devices such as silicone rubber tubing and implants due to its biocompatibility
• Kitchenware like baking moulds and spatulas because it does not release chemicals at high temperatures.

Plastic refers to a wide range of mouldable synthetic or semi-synthetic materials. Plastics are generally categorised by their chemical structure, with the most common types used industrially including polyethene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each type of plastic offers different properties, but overall, plastics are valued for their light weight, durability and resistance to corrosion.

Key benefits and uses of plastics include:

• Packaging materials like bottles and containers, thanks to their lightweight flexibility.
• Automotive parts use plastics to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.
• Construction piping and insulation, are chosen for their durability and resistance to environmental factors.

What is the Best Material for Your Business?

Choosing the right material – silicone or plastic – is important for optimal performance, safety and efficiency in various industries. Let's find out the best material for your industry:

• Biocompatibility - FDA-approved silicone's inert nature makes it ideal for surgical implants and other body-contact devices, minimising the risk of rejection and adverse reactions.
• Sterility - High-quality antibacterial silicone rubber is easily sterilised using methods like steam autoclaving, dry heat or gamma radiation without degrading, essential for maintaining high hygiene standards in medical environments.

• Cost-effectiveness - Certain plastics, such as polypropylene, are used for disposable syringes and other single-use medical tools due to their lower cost and good chemical resistance.
• Versatility - Different plastic types are engineered to have specific properties like transparency, flexibility or strength, making them suitable for various medical devices, including containers and diagnostic instruments.

• High-temp resistance - Silicone rubber's ability to withstand extreme temperatures makes it perfect for under-the-hood applications, such as rubber cords for sealing gaskets, hoses and other components.
• Durability - Its UV and weathering resistance makes silicone components last longer -- even in harsh environmental conditions!

• Weight reduction - Plastics are integral in reducing vehicle weight, to enhance fuel efficiency. Dashboards, bumpers and door panels are often made from plastics.
• Cost efficiency - Manufacturing automotive parts with plastic tends to be less expensive, supporting cost-effective production and design flexibility.

• Non-toxic and food safe - This material doesn't react with foods or beverages or release harmful fumes, making it safe for food storage containers, cooking utensils and bakeware.
• Heat resistance - You can safely use silicone products in ovens and microwaves, unlike most plastics, which degrade or let out nasty chemicals at high temperatures.

• Packaging material - Due to its lightweight and airtight sealing capabilities, plastic is extensively used in food packaging, helping to preserve freshness and extend shelf life.
• Variety and design - Plastic packaging can be easily moulded into various shapes and sizes, accommodating a wide range of products from beverages to snack foods.

• Insulation properties - Silicone extrusions are used in electronic housings and components thanks to excellent electrical insulation, helping prevent electrical faults and short circuits.
• Thermal stability -It helps manage heat generated by electronic devices, maintaining performance and prolonging device lifespan.

• Cost-effective production - Plastics offer a cheaper alternative for mass-producing electronic cases and components.
• Lightweight and durable - Lightweight plastic is essential for portable electronics, while its durability protects devices from physical impact.

Transform Your Products with Silicone

So, as you can see, when it comes to silicone vs plastic, silicone stands out against competing materials for its exceptional durability and safety, making it an ideal choice for most industries – especially those requiring stringent hygiene and performance standards.

If you're still undecided on the best choice for your products, contact United Silicones online for expert advice and solutions that optimise performance and cost-effectiveness. Or, explore our wide range of silicone rubber products designed with industry-specific requirements in mind and order online today.

Sources:

1. https://ecolunchboxes.com/pages/silicone-people-planet
2. https://www.americanchemistry.com/industry-groups/silicones-environmental-health-and-safety-center-sehsc/resources/silicone-medical-applications
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312125805_Development_in_Silicone_Material_for_Biomedical_Applications
4. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101
5. https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/plastic-facts-and-figures/#productie
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7601899/