The terms "Platinum Cure Silicone" and "Peroxide Cure Silicone" are rather frequent in the realm of silicone rubber. Since both silicone grades have different curing mechanisms and varied benefits and drawbacks, choosing one may be confusing if you are new to the silicone elastomer industry. We will attempt to offer a thorough comparison and clear up any misunderstandings in this blog article. You'll be able to choose better as a result of this.
What Is Platinum Cured Silicone？
Platinum-cured silicone rubber, often referred to as additive silicone rubber or food-grade silicone, typically comes in two colors: translucent and clear. However, you may also add color by blending in silicone pigments of your choosing. Although portion A has the platinum catalyst, both components are liquid.
Peroxide-Cure silicone
Due to the lower cost of raw materials and lower cost of the completed product, peroxide-cured silicone sheeting and tubing may be more cost-effective than platinum-cured types. Due of the lower temperatures required to cure silicone, it is also simpler to make. The silicone may be utilized and has a longer shelf life thanks to the peroxide treatment.
Platinum Cured Silicone VS Peroxide Cured Silicone
| Peroxide Cure Silicone System | Platinum Cure Silicone System | |
|---|---|---|
| By Product | May produce by-product which is volatile in nature so it can be driven out by using high-temperature post curing | No by-products |
| Opacity | Final products are translucent & cloudier | Final products are more clear & transparent which offers better visual flow inspection of fluid |
| Purity | Pure & Clean | Consider purer and cleaner than peroxide cure |
| Physical Properties | Tensile strength, elongation and tear strength are good | Tensile strength, elongation and tear strength are comparatively better than peroxide cure |
| Mechanical Properties | Better | Good |
| Shelf Life | After mixing compound, it has a long shelf life | After mixing compound, it has a short shelf life |
| Processing | Easy to process, need lower temperature for curing | Hard to process, requires a high temperature for curing |
| Cost | Economical | Higher Cost |
Peroxide silicone, unlike platinum compound, however, can become yellow over time because of the peroxide catalyst. Platinum has replaced peroxide grade as the material of choice for food and beverage producers since it is more clearer and does not taint, in contrast.
Benefit Of Platinum Cured Silicone
There are a range of benefits when choosing platinum cured silicone over alternatives:
- High Purity & Safety
- No Leaching, Non Toxic & No By Product
- Better Clarity
- Glossy Finishing
- Excellent Tensile & Tear Strength
- Better Elongation
Platinum cured silicone applications
Due to its advantages as listed above there are many industries now seeking platinum cured silicone products. These include:
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications：For fluid transfer, platinum-cured silicone tubing is a great option. It is ideal for medical application because to its strong temperature resistance and little possibility for leaching.
- Food and Drink applications:The movement of liquids in beverage dispensers has been revolutionized by platinum-cured silicone tubing. The flavor of liquids can be tainted by conventional peroxide-cured silicone tubing, however this disadvantage is not present with platinum-cured silicone tubing. Due to its great tensile strength, it is also the perfect material for the food industry.
- Dairy applications:Due to its high mechanical wear and exceptional tear strength, platinum-cured silicone is perfect for use in the dairy sector. Platinum cured tubes do not harden and corrode with usage, in contrast to common black rubber tubing used for milking.
What is Platinum Cured Silicone Tubing？
High purity and improved safety are two factors that should be considered when choosing silicone tubing, especially if it will be used in the medical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, biomedical, cosmetic, etc. sectors. Two separate types of silicone rubber elastomers, platinum cured silicone elastomer and peroxide cured silicone elastomer, can be used to create mostly silicone tubing.
The two-part elastomer system or addition cure are other names for platinum-cured material. When we manufacture silicone tubing with platinum-cured compound, no byproducts are created that might potentially leak into the finished polymer, resulting in great purity and safety.
What is the difference between platinum cured silicone and normal silicone?
The platinum vulcanizing agent is the primary distinction between silicone that has been platinum cured and regular silicone. The classic ulcanizing agent is used to create normal silicone from silicone. High transparant gas phase silica gel is used as the raw material for platinum-cured silicone, together with a two-component Perkin vulcanizing agent.
What does platinum grade silicone mean?
In addition to silicone's other characteristics, platinum silicone is a form of silicone that solely employs platinum (precious metal) as a catalyzer, which raises its quality. The creation of molds or other goods that will come into touch with food should use this material.
How long does platinum cure silicone last?
A platinum-cured silicone may produce items that endure up to 45 years. Platinum silicones don't degrade or evaporate as quickly as tin silicones do. Platinum-cured silicone rubbers exhibit almost little shrinkage and are UV and temperature-resistant.
Is platinum silicone better than plastic?
Since silicone does not break down into tiny bits when it is lost in the environment like plastic does, it is far more ocean-friendly and incredibly durable. Furthermore, silicone outperforms plastic substitutes in terms of durability and resistance to heat (even in industrial dishwashers!) and cold.
What does platinum curing do to silicone?
Unlike peroxide-cured silicone, platinum-cured silicone sheeting and tubing is non-yellowing and appears clearer. The pharmaceutical, food, and beverage sectors like it because of its clarity and absence of by-products from peroxide. Better tensile and tear strength may be found in this kind of silicone.
How do you clean platinum cured silicone?
- One of the simplest and most popular ways to sterilize medical-grade silicone is using rubbing alcohol.
- Platinum-cured LSR is sterilized using an autoclave, which utilizes steam to kill germs.
- Gamma radiation is another often used technique in some situations.
Is platinum silicone bad for the environment?
Although silicone is not biodegradable, it is less likely than plastic to degrade and be abandoned. Comparatively speaking, silicone is more useful than plastic. Compared to things made of plastic, silicone objects may be used much more frequently without being scratched, stained, or broken.