Fluoroelastomer vs. Silicone — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Fluoroelastomer offers superior chemical and heat resistance up to 200°C, whereas silicone is notable for its flexibility and temperature resistance from -55°C to +300°C.
Difference Between Fluoroelastomer and Silicone
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fluoroelastomer is highly valued in applications requiring exceptional resistance to chemicals, oils, and temperature extremes, making it ideal for automotive and aerospace industries. In contrast, silicone excels in medical and food industries due to its biocompatibility, flexibility, and excellent thermal stability across a wide range of temperatures.
Fluoroelastomers are known for their longevity and durability under stressful conditions such as exposure to aggressive chemicals and extreme heat. Silicone, on the other hand, is more adaptable to varying environmental conditions, resisting moisture and UV light effectively.
The cost of fluoroelastomer is generally higher due to its specialized properties and manufacturing process, which involves copolymers and terpolymers of different fluorochemicals. Silicone is usually less expensive and is available in a variety of forms including gels, solids, and liquids, catering to a broader spectrum of industrial uses.
Fluoroelastomers require careful compounding and curing processes to achieve their optimal properties, such as sealing and fuel resistance. Silicone, whereas, is easier to fabricate and can be cured at room temperature, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs.
The coloration of fluoroelastomers is typically limited to black and brown due to the compounds involved in its production. Silicone, on the other hand, can be made in a wide array of colors, including transparent, which is useful in applications where product visibility is important.
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Comparison Chart
Temperature Resistance
Up to 200°C
-55°C to +300°C
Chemical Resistance
Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons and acids
Resistant to water and oxidizing chemicals
Applications
Automotive, aerospace
Medical, food industry, electronics
Cost
Higher due to specialized properties
Generally lower
Fabrication
Requires precise compounding and curing
Easier, can be cured at room temperature
Compare with Definitions
Fluoroelastomer
A type of synthetic rubber designed for high chemical and temperature resistance.
Fluoroelastomer seals are used in fuel injection systems.
Silicone
Generally more affordable and available in various forms.
Liquid silicone rubber is used in mold making.
Fluoroelastomer
Used primarily in applications where a high performance material is necessary.
Fluoroelastomer components are common in aerospace engineering.
Silicone
Can be produced in a wide range of colors and even transparent.
Transparent silicone is used in food-grade applications.
Fluoroelastomer
Typically more expensive than other elastomers due to its superior properties.
The cost of fluoroelastomer is justified by its performance in harsh environments.
Silicone
Biocompatible, making it suitable for medical applications.
Silicone is used for making surgical implants.
Fluoroelastomer
Offers excellent resistance to aging and weathering.
Outdoor machinery often uses fluoroelastomer parts for longevity.
Silicone
A versatile elastomer used widely in both industrial and consumer products.
Silicone bakeware is popular for its non-stick properties.
Fluoroelastomer
Available mostly in darker colors due to material properties.
Fluoroelastomer products are rarely seen in colors other than black or brown.
Silicone
Known for its thermal stability and flexibility.
Silicone hoses are preferred for automotive cooling systems.
Fluoroelastomer
A fluoroelastomer is a fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber. Fluroelastomers generally have wide chemical resistance.
Silicone
A silicone or polysiloxane is a polymer made up of siloxane (−R2Si−O−SiR2−, where R = organic group). They are typically colorless, oils or rubber-like substances.
Fluoroelastomer
(organic chemistry) Any of a range of partially fluorinated polymers or copolymers that are chemically and thermally stable elastomers
Silicone
Any of a class of synthetic materials which are polymers with a chemical structure based on chains of alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Such compounds are typically resistant to chemical attack and insensitive to temperature changes and are used to make rubber and plastics and in polishes and lubricants
Silicone rubber
Modern plastics and silicones
Silicone
Join or otherwise treat (something) with a silicone
The raised planting shelf could be siliconed to the back of the tank
Silicone
Any of a large group of oligomers and polymers based on the structural unit R2SiO, where R is an organic group, characterized by wide-range thermal stability, high lubricity, extreme water repellence, and physiological inertness and used in adhesives, lubricants, protective coatings, paints, electrical insulation, synthetic rubber, and prosthetic replacements for body parts.
Silicone
(chemistry) Any of a class of inert, semi-inorganic polymeric compounds (polysiloxanes), that have a wide range of thermal stability and extreme water repellence, used in a very wide range of industrial applications, and in prosthetic replacements for body parts.
Silicone
(transitive) To join or treat (something) with a silicone-based product.
Silicone the bathtub to the tile
Silicone
To enhance or reconstruct (a body part) with a prosthesis containing silicone.
Silicone
Any of a large class of siloxanes that are unusually stable over a wide range of temperatures; used in lubricants and adhesives and coatings and synthetic rubber and electrical insulation
Common Curiosities
Can silicone be used in food applications?
Yes, silicone is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for food-related applications.
What is the primary use of fluoroelastomer?
Fluoroelastomer is primarily used in applications requiring excellent chemical and heat resistance, such as in automotive fuel systems.
Why is fluoroelastomer more expensive than silicone?
Fluoroelastomer is more expensive due to its complex production process and superior performance characteristics.
How is silicone fabricated for industrial uses?
Silicone can be easily fabricated and cured even at room temperature, which simplifies its use in various industrial applications.
How does silicone's temperature flexibility compare to that of fluoroelastomer?
Silicone has a wider temperature flexibility, functioning well from -55°C to +300°C, compared to fluoroelastomer's up to 200°C.
What makes fluoroelastomer suitable for aerospace applications?
Its resistance to extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals makes fluoroelastomer ideal for aerospace applications.
What is the advantage of silicone's flexibility?
Silicone's flexibility makes it ideal for products requiring moldability and durability under stress, such as seals and gaskets.
How does the cost of silicone compare in different forms?
The cost of silicone varies depending on its form, with liquid forms generally being more cost-effective.
Is silicone suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, silicone is resistant to UV light and moisture, making it excellent for outdoor applications.
What are the color options for fluoroelastomer?
Fluoroelastomer is typically available in black and brown due to its material composition.
Is fluoroelastomer biocompatible?
Fluoroelastomer is not typically used in applications requiring biocompatibility.
What types of chemicals can fluoroelastomer resist?
Fluoroelastomer can resist a wide range of chemicals, including hydrocarbons and strong acids.
How does the use of silicone in medical applications compare to its use in industrial applications?
In medical applications, silicone is prized for its biocompatibility, whereas in industrial applications, its thermal stability and flexibility are more valued.
Can fluoroelastomer be used in consumer products?
While not common, fluoroelastomer can be used in high-performance consumer products requiring chemical resistance.
What is the thermal resistance of fluoroelastomer?
Fluoroelastomer can resist temperatures up to 200°C effectively.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
