What is the chemical stability of silicone products?

What is the chemical stability of silicone products? Silicone products are widely used in medical, food, maternal and child care, electronics, industrial and other fields due to their safety, non toxicity, high temperature resistance, flexibility and durability. But many consumers still have doubts about its chemical stability - is silicone resistant to corrosion? Will it react with chemicals?

Chemical composition and properties of silicone gel
Silicone rubber is a high molecular weight organic silicon compound, mainly composed of polysiloxane (- Si-O-Si -), and its unique molecular structure endows it with excellent chemical stability.
Main features:
High and low temperature resistance (-60 ℃~250 ℃)
Resistant to aging and UV radiation
Good flexibility and elasticity
Non toxic and odorless, meeting food grade standards
Strong chemical inertness, not easy to react with common substances

Chemical stability analysis of silicone products
1. Acid and alkali resistance
Silicone has good tolerance to weak acids and bases, but strong acids and bases may have certain effects on it:
Acid resistance: It can withstand dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid, acetic acid, etc., but concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid can corrode silica gel.
Alkali resistance: It can tolerate dilute solutions of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), but long-term contact with concentrated alkaline solution may cause silica gel to become brittle.
2. Solvent resistance
Silicone is stable to common solvents such as water, alcohol, and vegetable oil, but some organic solvents may cause it to swell or degrade:
Tolerance: water, ethanol, glycerol, edible oil
Tolerance: Gasoline, xylene, carbon tetrachloride (long-term exposure may cause silica gel to expand or soften)
3. Oxidation resistance
Silicone has good antioxidant capacity and is not easily destroyed by air or ozone, making it suitable for long-term outdoor use.
4. Salt spray resistance
Silicone has strong resistance to seawater and salt spray, making it suitable for use in marine environments or high humidity areas.

How to determine the chemical stability of silicone products
Refer to the certification standards:
Food grade silicone: FDA, LFGB, SGS certified
Medical grade silicone: ISO10993 biocompatibility testing
Industrial grade silicone: acid alkali and oil resistance test report
Experimental testing:
Immersion test: Place the silicone sample in acid, alkali, or solvent to observe whether it deforms or dissolves.
High temperature test: Heat to above 200 ℃ and check for odor or deformation.
Observing physical properties:
High quality silicone has good elasticity and is not easy to tear, while inferior silicone may become hard, brittle, or sticky.
How to extend the service life of silicone products
Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases, and organic solvents such as concentrated sulfuric acid.
Use neutral detergent when cleaning, do not use a hard brush to scrape.
Store in a cool and dry place, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or high temperatures.
Regularly check the aging condition, and replace it promptly if hardening or cracking is found.

In summary, silicone products have excellent acid and alkali resistance, solvent resistance, and oxidation resistance, and have performed outstandingly in fields such as food, medical, and industry. As long as used and maintained correctly, silicone products can maintain stable performance for a long time and are a safe and reliable choice!