I. Classification by Source
Silicone raw materials can be classified into domestic materials and imported materials based on their source.
The major domestic producers include Dongjue, Ruiying, Hongda, Tianyu, New Oriental, Juhe, etc.
The major imported brands include Shin-Etsu and Toshiba from Japan, Dow Corning from the United States, Rhodia from France, Wacker from Germany, etc.
II. Classification by Performance
Ordinary Silicone (Precipitated Silicone)
Color: Semi-transparent, milky white, light yellow, gray, etc.
Hardness: 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, etc. The commonly used range is between 40° and 70°.
Density: 1.1 - 1.12 g/cm²
Elongation: 400%
Usage: It is commonly used in medium and low-grade silicone products such as mobile phone keys, miscellaneous items, and conductive rubber in our company.
For example, some common mobile phone keys we see are made of ordinary silicone. Its hardness and color can meet the basic usage requirements and the cost is relatively low.
Meteorological Silicone (Pure Silicone)
Color: Transparent.
Hardness: 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, etc. The commonly used range is between 40° and 60°.
Density: 1.1 - 1.12 g/cm²
Elongation: 600% - 700%
Characteristics: Good transparency, strong tensile strength, but the cost is relatively high.
Usage: It is often used in high-grade products that require high elasticity, such as silicone tubes and protective sleeves.
For instance, some high-quality silicone protective sleeves usually choose meteorological silicone to provide better protection and visual effects.
III. Classification by Physical Properties
Solid Silicone: Mainly used for molded products, such as silicone sleeves, silicone tableware, silicone keys, etc.
For example, the silicone tableware we use daily is manufactured by the molding process, taking advantage of the characteristics of solid silicone.
Liquid Silicone: Mainly used for extruded products, such as silicone nipples, silicone tubes, etc.
Most of the silicone nipples used by babies are made of liquid silicone through the extrusion molding process to ensure the softness and safety of the nipples.
