What’s the Difference Between Silicone and Fluorosilicone?

If you're in the market for rubber products, you may have come across both silicone and fluorosilicone. But are these materials the same, or is there a significant difference? Let’s break it down.

Silicone and fluorosilicone are similar in appearance but differ in chemical composition. Fluorosilicone offers enhanced resistance to chemicals and high temperatures, making it suitable for specific industrial uses.

In this post, we’ll explore these differences and dive deeper into questions like the cost, performance, and advantages of fluorosilicone over regular silicone.

Is fluorosilicone the same as silicone?

Fluorosilicone and silicone might seem interchangeable at first, but they are not the same. Let's explore how they differ.

Fluorosilicone has fluorine atoms bonded to its silicone base, giving it unique chemical properties that make it more resistant to harsh environments compared to standard silicone.

Silicone is an excellent material for general applications due to its flexibility, temperature resistance, and durability. Fluorosilicone, on the other hand, is designed for extreme conditions. It’s often used in industries where exposure to harsh chemicals, fuels, and high temperatures is common. Fluorosilicone’s ability to withstand these conditions makes it a go-to for industries like aerospace, automotive, and the oil and gas sector. However, its properties come at a higher cost due to its specialized nature. You can read more about the difference between silicone and fluorosilicone¹.

Is fluoroelastomer better than silicone?

When comparing fluoroelastomer (including fluorosilicone) to silicone, the question arises: Which one is better?

Fluoroelastomers, including fluorosilicone, are better suited for environments with extreme chemical exposure or high temperatures, while silicone remains more versatile for general use.

Fluoroelastomers, including fluorosilicone, outperform standard silicone in specific conditions, particularly when dealing with harsh chemicals and high temperatures. While silicone may be a great choice for general applications, fluorosilicone excels where resistance to chemicals like fuels and oils is required. Fluorosilicone also provides better stability in harsh environments. However, for many standard uses, silicone remains the more cost-effective option. You can explore more about fluoroelastomers² and how they compare to silicone.

Is Fluorosilicone conductive?

Fluorosilicone has many unique qualities, but does it conduct electricity?

Fluorosilicone is generally non-conductive, much like regular silicone, making it a safe choice for electrical insulation applications.

Fluorosilicone, just like silicone, does not conduct electricity, which makes it useful in applications where electrical insulation is critical. While it provides excellent resistance to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, its lack of conductivity makes it ideal for seals, gaskets, and other insulating applications where electrical conductivity is not needed.

Is Fluorosilicone oil resistant?

Oil resistance is a key feature of many elastomers. Is fluorosilicone the best choice for oil resistance?

Yes, fluorosilicone is highly resistant to oils, fuels, and other chemicals, making it a superior option for industries that require robust protection against these substances.

Fluorosilicone’s resistance to oils, fuels, and various chemicals comes from the presence of fluorine in its structure. This gives it an edge over silicone in applications where exposure to oils and chemicals is frequent. Whether in the automotive industry or oil and gas sectors, fluorosilicone is often chosen for its ability to maintain its integrity even under exposure to harsh substances.

Why is fluorosilicone so expensive?

Fluorosilicone offers superior resistance, but why does it come at such a high price?

The cost of fluorosilicone is higher due to its specialized production process and unique chemical properties, which make it suitable for extreme environments.

The production of fluorosilicone requires more advanced and expensive manufacturing processes, as it incorporates fluorine into the polymer chain. This makes it more durable and chemically resistant than silicone, but it also drives up its cost. Additionally, the demand for fluorosilicone in high-performance industries like aerospace and automotive adds to its price tag. Learn more about why fluorosilicone is expensive³.

What are the advantages of Fluorosilicone?

Fluorosilicone has many advantages, especially in challenging environments. What exactly makes it stand out?

Fluorosilicone offers excellent chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and durability, making it ideal for specialized industries such as aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas.

One of the key advantages of fluorosilicone is its ability to perform well in extreme conditions. Its resistance to oils, fuels, and high temperatures makes it invaluable for industries that require seals and gaskets that can endure harsh environments. Additionally, fluorosilicone provides better performance than regular silicone in demanding applications, helping to extend the lifespan of components exposed to chemicals and high stress. Learn more about the advantages of fluorosilicone⁴.

Is fluorosilicone a PFAS?

There has been some concern about PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in various materials. Is fluorosilicone one of them?

Fluorosilicone contains fluorine, but it does not fall under the PFAS category. However, some concerns about fluorine-based chemicals still persist.

Fluorosilicone does contain fluorine atoms, which are chemically similar to the substances classified as PFAS, but it is not categorized as a PFAS. While the material itself is not harmful in typical industrial applications, concerns about the environmental impact of fluorine-based chemicals remain. It is important to carefully monitor and manage these materials to avoid their accumulation in the environment. Read more about fluorosilicone and PFAS⁵.

Who is the manufacturer of Fluorosilicone?

Fluorosilicone is a specialized material, so who are the key manufacturers?

Leading manufacturers of fluorosilicone include companies like Dow, 3M, and Momentive, which produce high-performance elastomers for industrial use.

Fluorosilicone is produced by a limited number of chemical companies, such as Dow, 3M, and Momentive. These companies specialize in creating high-performance elastomers that meet the demanding needs of industries like aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas. Due to the specialized nature of fluorosilicone, it is generally available through select suppliers with the technical expertise to produce and distribute these advanced materials. Learn about the manufacturers of fluorosilicone[^6].

Conclusion

Fluorosilicone and silicone are both excellent materials, but their differences in resistance to chemicals, temperature stability, and cost make them suitable for different applications. Fluorosilicone’s advantages, while valuable in specific industries, come at a price. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right material for your needs.