Introduction

Fluorosilicone rubber and silicone rubber are two important synthetic rubber materials. They have significant differences in chemical structure, physical properties, and application fields. This article aims to compare the performance characteristics of these two materials in detail and discuss their specific applications in different application fields.

I. Chemical structure and composition

Silicone rubber

• Main components: It is a siloxane polymer containing elements such as silicon (Si), oxygen (O), carbon (C), and hydrogen (H).
• Basic structure: Composed of a silicon-oxygen chain (Si-O-Si), with organic groups (such as methyl and phenyl) connected to the side chains.

Fluorosilicone rubber

• Main components: On the basis of silicone rubber, fluorine (F) element is introduced. Generally, it contains elements such as silicon, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine.
• Basic structure: The side chains of the silicon-oxygen chain (Si-O-Si) are connected to fluorine-containing organic groups such as trifluoropropyl.

II. Performance comparison

Temperature resistance

• Silicone rubber: Usually can be used in the temperature range of -50°C to 200°C and has good high-temperature stability and elasticity.
• Fluorosilicone rubber: Has a wider temperature resistance range, generally can be used in the temperature range of -50°C to 250°C, and has excellent heat resistance and oxidation resistance.

Chemical corrosion resistance

• Silicone rubber: Has good tolerance to general chemical media, but has poor tolerance to some strong acids, strong alkalis, and organic solvents.
• Fluorosilicone rubber: Due to the introduction of fluorine element, it has stronger chemical corrosion resistance and can tolerate more chemical media, including some strong acids, strong alkalis, and organic solvents.

Mechanical properties

• Silicone rubber: Has good elasticity and mechanical properties, but may undergo permanent mechanical deformation under high stress.
• Fluorosilicone rubber: The mechanical properties are comparable to those of silicone rubber. However, due to the introduction of fluorine element, its tensile and tear resistance are improved, especially in high-temperature environments.

Electrical insulation performance

• Silicone rubber: Has excellent electrical insulation performance and is suitable for sealing and insulation of electrical and electronic equipment.
• Fluorosilicone rubber: The electrical insulation performance is equivalent to that of silicone rubber. However, due to its enhanced chemical corrosion resistance, it may be more suitable for use in some special environments.

Weather resistance

• Silicone rubber: Has good weather resistance and can resist the influence of ultraviolet rays, ozone, and climate change. It is suitable for outdoor and long-term exposed applications.
• Fluorosilicone rubber: The weather resistance is comparable to that of silicone rubber. However, its higher chemical stability and heat resistance make it perform better in harsh environments.

Cost and price

• Silicone rubber: Relatively economical and widely used in various industrial and civil fields.
• Fluorosilicone rubber: Due to its excellent performance and complex production process, the price is usually higher and it is mainly used in special applications with high performance requirements.

III. Comparison of application fields

Applications of silicone rubber

• Electrical and electronic: Used for insulation of wires and cables and sealing and protection of electronic components.
• Medical field: Used for sealing of medical devices, manufacturing of catheters and artificial organs.
• Construction field: Used for building sealants, waterproof materials, and insulation materials.
• Food and beverage: Used for sealing and gasket materials of food processing equipment.

Applications of fluorosilicone rubber

• Petrochemical industry: Used for sealing and compensation of high-temperature and high-pressure pipelines and can tolerate strong acids, strong alkalis, and organic solvents.
• Aerospace: Used for sealing and shock absorption systems of aircraft engines and can tolerate high temperatures and strong corrosive environments.
• Automobile industry: Used for sealing and compensation of automobile exhaust systems, fuel systems, and shock absorption systems.
• Chemical industry: Used for sealing of reactors, storage tanks, and valves and can tolerate the corrosion of various chemical media.

Conclusion

Fluorosilicone rubber and silicone rubber have significant differences in chemical structure, temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, electrical insulation performance, weather resistance, and cost. Silicone rubber is widely used in general industrial and civil fields, especially in electrical and electronic equipment. Fluorosilicone rubber is more suitable for use in harsh environments with high temperatures and strong chemical corrosiveness, such as the petrochemical, aerospace, and automobile industries. By comparing the performance characteristics of these two materials, the most suitable material can be selected for different application scenarios to achieve the best use effect and performance.