Addition Silicone vs. Condensation Silicone — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 10, 2024
Addition Silicone undergoes polymerization without by-products, offering high accuracy and stability, while Condensation Silicone polymerizes with by-product formation, typically alcohol.
Difference Between Addition Silicone and Condensation Silicone
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Addition Silicone, also known as vinyl polysiloxane, is a type of silicone rubber that cures via an addition reaction. This process doesn't produce any by-products. Condensation Silicone, on the other hand, cures through a condensation reaction, typically releasing a small molecule like alcohol as a by-product.
Addition Silicone is known for its excellent dimensional stability and high tear strength, making it ideal for precise applications. Condensation Silicone tends to shrink slightly due to the evaporation of the by-product, which may affect accuracy in some uses.
In terms of working and setting time, Addition Silicone offers more control and consistent results, favored in industries where precision is key, such as dental mold making. Condensation Silicone’s curing time can be affected by humidity and the amount of by-product produced.
Addition Silicone is generally more expensive due to its advanced properties and the complexity of its formulation. Condensation Silicone is a more cost-effective option and is widely used for general-purpose molds and casts.
Both types of silicone have excellent mold release characteristics, but Addition Silicone's lack of shrinkage and by-product makes it more suitable for high-precision molding.
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Comparison Chart
Curing Process
Cures without by-products (addition reaction).
Cures with by-product release (condensation reaction).
Dimensional Stability
High dimensional stability and accuracy.
Slight shrinkage due to by-product evaporation.
Application Precision
Ideal for high-precision applications.
Suitable for general-purpose applications.
Cost
Generally more expensive.
More cost-effective.
Suitability
Favored in precise industries like dentistry.
Common in general molding and casting.
Compare with Definitions
Addition Silicone
Generally more expensive due to its advanced curing process and properties.
Though costlier, the benefits of Addition Silicone justify its price in professional settings.
Condensation Silicone
Condensation Silicone polymerizes with the production of a by-product, typically alcohol.
The condensation silicone we used for crafting released alcohol during curing.
Addition Silicone
It offers excellent dimensional stability and high tear strength.
The addition silicone mold captured every detail of the sculpture.
Condensation Silicone
The curing time can be influenced by environmental factors like humidity.
The humid weather affected the curing time of our Condensation Silicone.
Addition Silicone
Ideal for applications requiring precision and consistency.
In high-precision engineering, Addition Silicone is the preferred material for molds.
Condensation Silicone
More cost-effective compared to Addition Silicone.
For our budget-friendly project, we chose Condensation Silicone.
Addition Silicone
Addition Silicone is a silicone rubber that cures without producing by-products.
We used Addition Silicone for the dental impressions due to its accuracy.
Condensation Silicone
Suitable for general-purpose mold-making and casting applications.
We opted for Condensation Silicone for creating costume props due to its affordability.
Addition Silicone
Addition Silicone is known for its long shelf life and stability.
The stored Addition Silicone retained its properties, despite prolonged storage.
Condensation Silicone
Slight shrinkage can occur due to by-product evaporation.
There was minor shrinkage in the cast made from Condensation Silicone.
Common Curiosities
What are the cost considerations between the two?
Addition Silicone is generally more expensive than Condensation Silicone.
Can Condensation Silicone be used outdoors?
Yes, but environmental conditions should be considered due to its sensitivity during curing.
Why is Addition Silicone preferred in dentistry?
Due to its high accuracy, dimensional stability, and lack of by-product, making it ideal for precise dental molds.
Can Condensation Silicone be used for detailed work?
While it can be used for detailed work, its slight shrinkage might affect the final accuracy.
What is Addition Silicone primarily used for?
Addition Silicone is used for high-precision applications like dental impressions and accurate moldings.
How does Condensation Silicone cure?
It cures through a condensation reaction, typically releasing a by-product like alcohol.
How long does it take for Condensation Silicone to cure?
The curing time varies but generally takes a few hours to a day, depending on the formulation and environmental conditions.
Is Addition Silicone environmentally friendly?
Yes, as it does not release any by-products, it's considered more environmentally friendly.
What factors affect the curing of Condensation Silicone?
Environmental factors like humidity and the amount of by-product can influence its curing.
Is Addition Silicone suitable for large-scale projects?
It can be used for large-scale projects, but its higher cost might be a limiting factor.
Are there health concerns with using Condensation Silicone?
The by-product, often alcohol, should be handled with care, but generally, it's safe for use.
Are both Addition and Condensation Silicones flexible after curing?
Yes, both types typically remain flexible after curing, although the degree of flexibility can vary.
Can I paint over Addition Silicone molds?
Yes, once cured, Addition Silicone molds can be painted over.
Does Addition Silicone have a longer shelf life?
Yes, it typically has a longer shelf life due to its stable chemical composition.
Is there a difference in the mold release properties between the two?
Both have excellent mold release characteristics, although the exact properties can vary based on the specific formulation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
