Choosing between PVC and silicone has been the biggest challenge most manufacturers face. However, this is not as difficult as it seems. While both silicone and PVC can be used to produce similar products, they have unique applications that bring out the best in them. Nevertheless, you do not need to get overwhelmed. We wrote this article intending to provide you with a great insight into the differences and areas of specialization between silicone and PVC.
PVC vs Silicone: Meaning
Definition Of PVC
PVC is otherwise called polyvinyl chloride. It’s a synthetic material just like silicone. However, PVC comes in plastic, and to manufacture this material, vinyl chloride monomer needs to be processed. This plastic material is classified among the world’s best materials due to its great functionality and versatility. With PVC, you can have PVC wire, and PVC pipes, and build a solid type of electrical insulation that’s able to withstand electric current due to the material’s electrical insulation and durability, thus making it fit perfectly for manufacturing consumer goods, healthcare, electronics, and construction.
Definition Of silicone
Just like PVC, silicone is a synthetic rubber material that is made by combining various materials like carbon, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The main distinction between silicone rubber and other synthetic plastic materials is based on the silicon and oxygen that make up the backbone of silicone material. Since the material naturally has silicon and oxygen as its backbone, you can include hydrogen in the manufacturing process for the material to exhibit unique properties and a good aesthetic appeal.
Silicone is a go-to when you want to manufacture various products like implants, prosthetics, gaskets, silicone sealants, various types of electrical insulation, consumer goods, as sealants and adhesives, etc.
PVC vs Silicone: Physical Properties
In this paragraph, you’ll have full insight into the comparison of the physical properties of PVC and silicone.
Flexibility
There are various grades of PVC, each featuring varying flexibility. This flexibility is usually based on how much plasticizer is included in the production process. Silicone on the other hand is naturally flexible. That is, you do not need to add additives in the production process before it possesses its flexibility properties. Plus, their flexibility properties are maintained across various temperatures.
Density
Between PVC and silicone density, PVC is denser than silicone. Remember, PVC is naturally stronger when compared to silicone, thus making it perfect for applications where structural integrity and durability are critical for a longer period.
Softness
Remember that silicone is a rubber, while PVC is a plastic. This tells you that, generally, silicone material is softer when compared to PVC, thus making silicone much more pliable.
PVC vs Silicone: Temperature Resistance
Comparing temperature resistance? Silicone rubber is the hero. Here is the breakdown. PVC can operate perfectly up to 140°F (60°C). However, when you use them below these temperatures, they easily become brittle, and when the temperature rises, they gradually degrade. Silicone on the other hand is capable of working in various extreme temperatures from -58°F (-50°C) to 572°F (300°C). If your silicone material is operating within this temperature range, there’ll be no form of degradation. Plus, it’ll maintain its material properties. Lastly, based on the above illustrations, it’s important for you to also know that the heat resistance of silicone is superior to that of PVC, thus making silicone takes all the credit in this aspect.
PVC vs Silicone: Chemical Resistance
You can use both PVC and silicone in diverse areas where there’s a need for various chemical resistance. However, there are chemicals that both materials must not come into contact with, if not they degrade over time. Here’s the breakdown.
With PVC, you can resist various chemicals like alkalis, acids, etc. Plus, the material also works well for resisting alcohol, fats, oils, etc. However, the ability of PVC to resist these materials drops dramatically when there’s an increase in the chain length. Also, you can experience degradation in your PVC material when it interacts with strong bases and solvents, as well as oxidation and radiation from ultraviolet rays can easily impact PVC materials negatively.
Silicone rubber on the other hand has great chemical resistance compared to PVC. For example, silicone material can withstand acids, bases, fuels, and solvents.
Plus, silicone rubber is not susceptible to oxidation and UV radiation. However, you begin to find faults in silicone when you come across strong chemicals like chlorinated hydrocarbons and keystones. Lastly, silicone performance is poor in resisting water vapors and gases.
Therefore, this tells you that despite the shortcomings of silicone in some of the aspects listed above, silicone still exhibits superior chemical resistance when compared to PVC.
PVC vs Silicone: Cost
Generally, no manufacturer wants to go for a costly material that does not offer long-term use when they are choosing a material in the production process. In this case, you can count on PVC to give you a low-cost advantage rather than the silicone that generally comes with a higher price.
Meanwhile, it’s not a wise decision to determine which material to use based on cost. What should be your main determinant of which material to use is the requirements of your applications. When you know this, it’ll help you make a good buying decision.
PVC vs Silicone: Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Based on the comparison you have learned in this article so far, it’s clear to you that both silicone and PVC are synthetic materials, they have distinct functions and characteristics that make them fit in different applications. However, in this section, we will walk you through some factors you choose to consider for you to effectively choose between PVC or silicone:
- Choose Based On Chemical Resistance: As you know, PVC and silicone rubber materials exhibit resistance to various chemicals. However, if your application will be exposed to chemicals like alkalis, acids, and other inorganic chemicals, PVC is a good fit. Meanwhile, for higher and more hazardous chemicals like ketones, oxidizing acids, and aromatic hydrocarbons, silicone rubber is the perfect solution.
- Choose Based On Temperature Resistance: Another factor to consider is the temperature at which your application will be functioning. As you know, PVC has a maximum temperature range of 60°C (140°F), therefore you can choose it for environments with this temperature range. However, if your application will be functioning in a higher temperature environment, then choose silicone.
- Choose Based On Physical Properties: It’s not new that PVC exhibits higher structural integrity compared to silicone. So, if you want to make cables, pipes, and other applications where mechanical and physical strength cannot be compromised, PVC is the perfect material to use. Meanwhile, since silicone is elastic and flexible, that means you can use it for silicone seals and gaskets, tubing solutions, and so on.
- Choose Based On Outdoor Activities: If your application will be functioning in outdoor activities like swimming pool, garden hoses, playground equipment, etc, you may want to choose PVC. However, you need to know that PVC does not have excellent resistance to ozone and UV radiation, so it can degrade over time when used for outdoor activities. Silicone rubber, on the other hand, works well in various outdoor activities without degrading over time. Plus, you’ll use it for a very long time and it’ll continuously maintain its properties.
- Choose Based On Price: As you already know PVC is cheaper when compared to silicone. So, therefore, if you are budget-conscious, PVC is your go-to. Meanwhile, if you are not concerned about price but rather your application requirements and you are sure PVC cannot satisfy your need, choose silicone. Although the material might seem costly, it will meet up with your varying application needs. Plus, it will last longer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PVC is a perfect material that works in various applications, and so is silicone rubber. Your choice of use is what determines which material you should use between silicone vs PVC.