Silicone vs tpu：Une comparaison complète

Ébloui par la variété des matériaux élastomères? This article will take you to understand the two materials, silicone et TPU (Polyuréthane thermoplastique), to help you choose the right material for your product.

Silicone is a rubber and works well in both hot and cold. It’s strong, flexible, and lasts a long time. Ainsi, you don’t have to replace products frequently due to damage.

TPU is a plastic used in things like shoes and phone cases. It is tough but doesn’t do well in very hot or very cold temperatures. So when you use it, the environment will be limited.

Let’s dive into the details of these two materials.

What are the basic performance differences we can perceive?

When it comes to sensory experience, silicone and TPU differ in several ways.

Silicone:

• Silicone has a soft, smooth, and silky touch, providing a comfortable feel even in extreme temperatures. It is highly elastic, maintaining its softness over time.
• Visually, silicone can be transparent or come in various colors, but it may yellow when exposed to UV light for extended periods.
• In terms of smell, silicone is generally odorless or has a very faint scent. You can use it safely for food and medical products.

TPU:

• D'autre part, TPU feels slightly firmer and more resilient, with a touch that can be somewhat tacky, especially in high-temperature conditions.
• TPU is usually transparent in its natural state, but can be made into different colors by adding coloring. Unlike silicone, TPU is more prone to yellowing when exposed to UV rays or high temperatures for long periods of time.
• TPU may also have a mild plastic-like odor, particularly when new.

These sensory differences influence the choice between silicone and TPU for different applications.

How do the two materials perform under different conditions？

When comparing different materials, it’s important to understand how they perform under various conditions. Silicone and TPU each have their own strengths. To better understand their differences, we conducted some experiments to compare them in detail.

(1)Résistance à la température

In a temperature resistance test, silicone and TPU were subjected to both -55°C and 300°C. Silicone remained flexible and stable, showing no signs of cracking or deformation. Cependant, TPU started to soften and degrade at 120°C, with some samples even losing their shapes, and became brittle and less stable than silicone at very low temperatures.

(2)Résistance chimique

After silicone was immersed in strong acids, bases, and mineral oils, it showed no degradation, maintaining its flexibility and stability. En revanche, TPU dissolved and hardened when exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, indicating its limited chemical resistance compared to silicone.

(3)UV Resistance

When exposed to UV rays over several months, silicone maintained its softness and clarity, showing no signs of yellowing or cracking. While TPU began to yellow and become brittle under the same conditions, proving that silicone performs better in long-term UV exposure.

(4)Wear Resistance

In a wear resistance test, TPU proved to be highly abrasion-resistant. Its surface showed minimal wear and no cracking, making it ideal for high-friction environments such as shoe soles and tires. Cependant, silicone showed visible scratches and surface cracks under similar conditions, making it less suited for abrasion-prone applications.

• En conclusion, Silicone demonstrates superior performance in extreme conditions, from temperature and chemical resistance to UV stability. TPU is great for abrasion resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for moderate environments.

Are they environmentally friendly?

Regarding environmental friendliness, silicone and TPU have their strengths and weaknesses.

Silicone is derived from abundant natural resources. Besides, its durability means that products last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. Cependant, recycling silicone is difficult due to its chemical structure, and most silicone products end up in landfills.

D'autre part, TPU, is made from petrochemical derivatives. Its production may generate some environmental pollution. But TPU offers better recyclability through mechanical or chemical methods. TPU products are often designed with recycling in mind, making them more eco-friendly at the end of their life cycle.

Global, silicone may have less environmental impact in long-term use, while TPU has an advantage in recyclability.

What about biocompatibility et la sécurité?

• Silicone: Silicone is highly biocompatible and safe for human contact. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and does not cause skin irritation, making it ideal for medical devices, baby products, and other skin-contact applications. It’s safe for use in food and medical fields because it does not release harmful chemicals.

• TPU: TPU is generally safe but has poorer biocompatibility compared to silicone. It may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals. Although TPU is used in certain medical products, its use is limited. The safety of TPU depends on the quality of the material used, as low-quality TPU may contain harmful substances like plasticizers.

What are they usually used for?

Silicone and TPU are widely used in various industries. Here’s a look at specific products made from these materials.

Silicone and TPU are both widely used materials, each excelling in different applications.

Silicone is known for its biocompatibility, la flexibilité, and heat resistance, making it ideal for medical, consumer, and industrial uses.

TPU, with its durability, la flexibilité, and abrasion resistance, is often chosen for applications in medical, automobile, and industrial sectors.

While silicone is preferred for high-temperature and biocompatible applications, TPU is favored where flexibility, résistance à l'usure, and impact resistance are critical.

Which one has the suitable cost and productivity for your needs?

• Silicone: The production cost of silicone is higher due to the more advanced technology and longer curing times required in its manufacturing process. And because of these, silicone manufacturing is less efficient. In addition, its durability and long lifespan make it a cost-effective option in the long run, as it reduces the frequency of replacements.
• TPU: TPU is less expensive to produce, making it a more budget-friendly option. The manufacturing process is simpler and faster, making TPU better suited for mass manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
• In terms of manufacturing efficiency and cost, TPU has the advantage, and silicone’s longer curing times and more complex processes make it expensive and less efficient for large-scale production. While silicone offers long-term value, TPU is more affordable and quicker to produce in high volumes.

Conclusion

En conclusion, silicone is preferred for high-temperature, biocompatible applications, while TPU is better suited for environments requiring flexibility, abrasion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. The choice between the two depends on specific requirements such as performance, environmental impact, and production efficiency.

If you think silicone is suitable for your product, you can contact us for a quote.