Synthetic polymer
It is a polymer composed of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
Natural polymer
Derived from the latex sap of rubber trees
Composition: Primarily cis-1,4-polyisoprene with impurities like proteins, lipids, and organics.
✔️ Typically -60°C to 230°C (-76°F to 446°F)
✔️ Typically -50°C to 70°C (-58°F to 158°F)
Note: Exact temperature tolerance varies by formulation and grade.
✔️ Highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and chemicals.
✔️ Susceptible to degradation from UV radiation, ozone, and chemicals.
Environmental Resistance
✔️ Generally superior to natural rubber.
✔️ Good, but not as superior as silicone rubber.
Used in applications with temperature extremes, electrical insulation, UV, and chemical resistance.
Used in applications that require high elasticity and good abrasion resistance.
✔️Shares common characteristics with traditional rubber, including elasticity and flexibility. ✔️The term "rubber" is used broadly for materials with elastomeric properties. ✔️Silicone rubber, though synthetic with different properties, exhibits qualities like flexibility, resilience, and shape recovery associated with rubber, leading to its name.