Silicone is a synthetic polymer primarily composed of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. It is known for its rubber-like properties and flexibility.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a type of plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. It is a rigid thermoplastic material.
Safety:
Silicone is generally considered safe for various applications, It does not contain BPA, food grade silicone is used to make medical equipment, baby products, kitchenware and so on., as it is inert and does not leach chemicals into food or liquids. It is also hypoallergenic and non-toxic.
PVC, on the other hand, can pose health risks due to the release of toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and dioxins, especially when exposed to high temperatures or during manufacturing processes. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may have adverse effects on human health.
Temperature Resistance:
Silicone: Silicone has excellent high temperature resistance and is generally able to withstand a wide range of temperatures, including very low and very high temperatures. Generally speaking, silicone maintains its elasticity and chemical stability over a temperature range of -40°C to +230°C (-40°F to +446°F). Therefore, silicone is often used in applications in high-temperature environments, such as baking utensils, oven seals, automotive engine parts, etc.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC has relatively low high temperature resistance. Generally speaking, the softening temperature of PVC is approximately 65°C to 100°C (149°F to 212°F), while its ignition point is approximately 140°C to 210°C (284°F to 410°F )between. Above these temperature ranges, PVC materials may begin to soften, deform, or even release harmful gases. Therefore, PVC is generally not suitable for applications that need to withstand high-temperature environments.
Chemical Resistance:
Silicone has excellent chemical resistance and is less prone to degradation when exposed to chemicals, oils, and solvents.
PVC is resistant to many chemicals but may degrade when exposed to certain solvents and oils over time.
Durability:
Silicone is highly durable and maintains its flexibility and elasticity over a longer period, making it suitable for long-term use in various applications.
PVC is durable but may become brittle over time, especially when exposed to sunlight and outdoor elements.
Applications:
Silicone is widely used in medical Kid's products (toys, sippy cups, bibs, suction cup bowls, pacifiers, teethers)， kitchenware (baking molds, cooking utensils), devices (implants, tubing, seals), Silicone molds (chocolate molds, soap molds, ice tray molds)，automotive applications (gaskets, seals), electronics (cables, seals), and personal care products (cosmetics, menstrual cups).
PVC is commonly used in construction materials (pipes, fittings, siding), consumer goods (toys, packaging, credit cards), and healthcare products (medical tubing, IV bags).
In summary, silicone and PVC are two distinct materials with different properties and applications. Silicone is known for its flexibility, temperature resistance, and durability, while PVC is a rigid thermoplastic material commonly used in construction and consumer goods. The choice between silicone and PVC depends on the specific requirements of the application, including flexibility, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and durability.
