The fundamental difference between silicone rubber and ordinary industrial rubber is first reflected in the molecular skeleton: the former uses the silicon-oxygen bond (Si-O-Si) as the skeleton, with high bond energy and large bond angle, which determines its excellent high and low temperature resistance and aging resistance; the latter uses the carbon-carbon bond (C-C) as the main chain, which is relatively easy to break. The upper limit of high temperature resistance is usually only about 120℃, and special varieties such as fluorine rubber can reach 200℃, but long-term exposure to high temperature will harden and crack.

The temperature resistance range is the most intuitive gap between the two.Silicone rubber can work for a long time from -60℃ to 230℃, and can withstand more than 300℃ for a short time. It is used in high temperature scenarios such as oven seals and automobile spark plug sheaths; ordinary industrial rubber (natural rubber, nitrile rubber, etc.) will age significantly when it exceeds 120℃ for a long time, and it needs to be replaced frequently.

In terms of chemical stability, silicone rubber is acid and alkali resistant, ultraviolet and ozone resistant, hydrophobic and non-toxic, and can reach food grade and medical grade; ordinary rubber is easily cracked by ozone and ultraviolet light because of its double bonds and additives. Some synthetic rubbers (such as nitrile and fluorine rubber) have outstanding oil and solvent resistance, but may release odors and are not suitable for long-term contact with the human body.

In terms of mechanical properties, ordinary rubber can obtain higher tensile strength, wear resistance and tear resistance due to its high filling and high crosslinking. Therefore, tires, transmission belts, shock absorbers and other heavy-duty and high-wear conditions are still dominated by traditional rubber; the mechanical strength of silicone rubber is relatively low, but it has good resilience and small compression permanent deformation. It is especially suitable for parts that require long-term elastic sealing or biocompatibility.

In terms of environmental protection and processing, silicone rubber does not contain plasticizers and halogens, and can be catalyzed by platinum without by-product vulcanization to meet FDA, LFGB and other regulations; ordinary rubber requires sulfur or peroxide vulcanization, the process is mature and the cost is low, but nitrosamines or extractable heavy metals may remain, especially during recycling and incineration. The risk of dioxin is higher.

In summary, silicone rubber is irreplaceable in the fields of extreme temperature, chemical inertness and biosafety; ordinary industrial rubber maintains advantages in cost, mechanical properties and wear-resistant working conditions.The selection of materials should be based on the comprehensive trade-off of temperature, medium, load and environmental protection regulations.