Is Silicone Rubber or Plastic the Better Choice?

The choice of materials in the case of manufacturing, product design, or even the end consumer brings up the age-old discussion of using silicone rubber or plastic. Both have distinct characteristics and benefits, but the best choice is entirely dependent on the application and performance requirements needed. This article will outline the most important differences which include the physical properties of silicone rubber and plastic, their impact on the ecosystem, their durability, and costs. This guide has been prepared for product engineers, designers, and anyone interested in materials science in hopes of making an objective decision based on available data. This article will discuss the most significant distinguishing factors concerning these two multifunctional materials.

What is Silicone, and How is it Different from Plastic?

Silicone is considered a synthetic material that is primarily manufactured from silica, which is a form of sand. It’s most commonly recognized because of its pliability, heat tolerance, and sturdiness, which makes it useful in cookware, medical devices, orthopedic instruments, and silicone gaskets for different types of engines and machinery. As silicone is a polymer, it is a compound with a backbone of silicate and oxygen, unlike plastic, which has a backbone of carbon and is polymetric. Silicone has some inorganic parts on it, and that is what makes it resistant to heat and chemicals. unlike silicone, plastic is largely made out of petrochemicals.

In comparison to plastic, silicone has worse strength-to-weight ratio. Most types of plastics are less expensive and require less energy to manufacture, but they have a limited lifespan due to degradation by heat and chemicals over the years. Plastic may be cheaper, Silicone is resilient when exposed to extreme temperatures and inert to many chemicals, making silicone a durable and long-lasting material. Because silicone is much softer than most rigid plastics, it cannot be used in structural applications where stiffness is required.

Understanding Silicone is Different from Plastic

Silicone differs from plastic in relation to its chemical structure and its performance properties. Silicone is classified as a synthetic rubber-like compound owing to its flexible, heat-resistant, and chemically stable properties, which makes it ideal for high-temperature or demanding settings. Meanwhile, plastic is a wider term that includes many forms of polymers but is primarily associated with being low-cost, lightweight, and rigid. On one hand, silicone surpasses in durability and resilience, while on the other, plastic is more widely accepted in terms of versatility and use for structural purposes. In the end, the decision regarding the two materials comes down to the specific needs of the application, which include temperature resistance, flexibility, and mechanical strength.

The Silicone vs Plastic Debate

The factors regarding the environmental impacts of silicone and plastic are radically different. Silicone originates from silica (a component of sand), so its durability and reusability lead most people to consider it more environmentally friendly. Unlike plastic, silicone does not break down into microplastics, which helps prolong its ecosystem’s life. Over time, silicone has also become more cost-effective because of its extreme temperature and UV light resistance. Research suggests that silicone materials will generate revenue for over a decade, with most plastic alternatives decaying within a few years.

Whereas, once considered a fashionable material, plastic is now notorious for its high environmental detriment. The production of plastic reached over 390 millions tonnes in 2021 alone and undeniably a big chunk of it made its way into the ocean and landfiller. The chances of recycling plastic are slim, as statistics show that only around 9% of plastic ever gets recycled. The transformation of plastic into microplastics is a global issue, contaminating soil, water reservoirs, and even ecosystems.

In conclusion, although both materials pose some form of environmental concern, silicone is better suited for many applications because of its greater durability and lower propensity for pollution. Still, it is worth considering these alongside the functional aspects to establish the ideal material for certain use cases.

Why Silicone is Considered Safer than Plastic

The primary reason silicone is deemed safer than plastic is its low chemical risks and stability; silicone possesses a much lower chance of leaching harmful chemicals. Furthermore, silicone, like many plastics, does not break down into microplastics that have the potential to pollute environmental systems and infiltrate the food chain. In addition, silicone’s resistance to heat, UV light, and chemical reactions lowers the risk of product or environmental deterioration. Its durability also means silicone can last longer, allowing it to not be replaced frequently, reducing waste. These qualities allow silicone to be a more reliable and safer material for a variety of applications.

Exploring the Types of Silicone Rubber and Their Uses

Common Silicone Rubber Applications

Devices and Implants of Medical Nature

• The application of silicone rubber in medicine stems from its biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Today, silicone rubber can be encountered in catheters, respiratory masks, prostheses, and even long-term implants. Industry reports said that global silicone demand in healthcare reached over 1.6 billion dollars in 2022. This clearly illustrates the critical role silicone plays in modern medicine.

Automobile Parts

• Due to its resistance to high temperatures and its strength, silicone rubber is an essential material in the automotive industry. It is found in gaskets, seals, hoses, and connector boots. Silicone can endure from -60 degrees celsius to 230 degrees celsius, which enables its use in demanding engine environments.

Electronic Parts and Insulation

• The insulation properties and flexibility of silicone rubber makes it an ideal material for silicone electrical components. It is used in cable insulation, keypads, and other electronic devices where high temperatures and environmental protection is necessary.

Goods in the Household and Kitchen

• Non-toxic silicone rubber is available in the form of baking molds, spatulas, and storage containers. It is versatile due to its non-stick features and extreme temperature resistance ranging from freezing to 250 degrees celsius in the oven.

Construction and Sealing

• The initial application of silicone rubber was in construction sealants, expansion joints, and structural glazing, all of which benefit from silicone’s superior adhesive sealing along with weatherproofing. Silicone sealants also foster movement and remains unchallenged by extreme solar radiation together with severe weather conditions, thereby adding to sustainable building solutions.

Personal Care And Baby Products 

• Silicone rubber is also widely used in non-moving parts of baby products such as bottle nipples, pacifiers, and teething toys, as it is safe and non-toxic. Moreover, due to its flexibility and waterproof features, it is also used in personal care products like facial cleansing brushes and wearable devices.

Aerospace And Aviation

• Withstands high-altitude conditions and extreme aerothermal environments, silicone rubber is used in aircraft gaskets, seals, and hot thermal insulation materials. Its stability under extreme pressure and temperature makes it unmasked in aerospace engineering.

The unique material properties and adaptability of silicone rubber make it versatile across a broad spectrum of industries.

Differences Between Liquid Silicone Rubber and Traditional Forms

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) stands apart from conventional silicone rubber due to its state and method of processing. As a two-part liquid, LSR offers precision and efficiency during injection molding, which makes it suitable for complicated shapes and mass production. On the other hand, conventional silicone rubber is in a solid state or in the form of gum and is best suited to compression or transfer molding, which is comparatively slower and not ideal for delicate shapes.

In addition to these differences, LSR also sets itself apart from the traditional forms in a manner that it cures with the aid of heat much faster than the rest. Furthermore, LSR demonstrates better quality in terms of consistency, flexibility, and biocompatibility which is vital for medical grade and food grade uses. With these differences, LSR caters to a wider range of modern manufacturing needs than other forms of Silicone Rubber.

How Silicone Rubber is Used in Various Industries

Silicone rubber is used across industries owing to its unique properties like high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and great flexibility. Its versatility is highlighted in the specific applications provided below:

Medical Field

Silicone rubber is well-known within the medical industry. It is used in the production of catheters, surgical implants, and prosthetics. Its biocompatibility and ability to endure repeated cycles of sterilization make it ideal for these applications. Recent research estimates the silicone medical devices market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2023 to 2030 due to the increasing adoption of secure and reliable materials.

Automobile Industry

Silicone rubber has become essential in the automobile industry, especially in the production of gaskets, seals, and hoses. The rubber’s ability to withstand severe temperatures and harsh chemicals makes it dependable in improving the safety and performance of vehicles. Recent market research shows that silicone rubber usage in the automotive industry represents about 25% of the overall demand and is increasing with the production of electric vehicles.

Electronics Industry

Silicone rubber is used extensively in encapsulation, potting, and insulation within the electronics industry. The dielectric characteristics of silicone rubber together with its resistance to external factors guarantees reliable and long lasting sensitive components of electronics. For example, silicone rubbers are used widely in the LED lightings as well as in the twiddler circuit boards. There are predictions that the revenues from silicone in electronics will exceed USD 5 billion by 2027.

Construction Industry

In the construction industry, silicone rubbers are also used for sealants, coatings, and waterproofing. Its ability to create strong bonds that resist to weather conditions makes it extremely helpful in construction of both commercial and residential buildings. The use of energy efficient and environmentally friendly constructions is increasing with silicone materials becoming options of choice. Silicone sealants alone represent around 40% of the total sealant consumption in the world.

Food and Beverage Industry

Silicone rubber grade for food use is applied in molds, modern kitchenware, and tubing because of its safety, flexibility and resistance to heat. The inertness of silicone ensures no chemicals leach into food or drinks guaranteeing compliance with the regulations, which coupled with the move towards sustainable products such as baking mats and storage bags, drives silicone usage in this sector.

Aerospace Industry

Due to silicone rubber’s unique characteristics of high temperature resistance alongside extreme pressure fluctuations, it is utilized by the aerospace industry for aircraft seals, vibration dampening components, and gasketing materials where reliability and performance is critical. As investments with space exploration continue to grow, silicone rubbers in this field are bound to increase further.

These diverse applications showcase the silicone rubber’s importance in driving global technological, medical, and industrial developments. The rubber’s demand is also forecasted to increase continuously as industries seek resilient and effective materials.

Why Choose Silicone Over Plastic for Cooking Utensils?

The Advantages of Silicone Made Utensils

Heat Retention 

• Silicone utensils possess great resistance against extreme temperatures, usually tolerating heat higher than 500°F (260°C). This allows them to assist in cooking processes, such as stirring boiling sauces or flipping food on a frying pan, without the possible outcomes of melting or warping.

Non-Stick Properties 

• Silicone is non-stick, so there is minimal friction while cooking or baking. Silicone implements effortlessly move over non-stick cookware, preventing scratches, which increases the longevity of the pots and pans.

Durability and Flexibility 

• Silicone utensils are incredibly durable and are able to withstand wear and tear over prolonged periods of time. Their flexibility allows for easy mobility, particularly in tight or confined areas like scraping batter out of bowls or jars.

Non-Toxic and food-safe 

• Food-grade silicone is non-toxic, BPA-free, and does not leach chemicals even at high temperatures. Research suggests that silicone is safe and stable for frequent and prolonged usage in food preparation as well.

Ease of Cleaning 

• Silicone utensils are non-porous and can be placed in a dishwasher, which means that they do not soak up bad smells, colors, or grease. This makes their maintenance hassle-free after cooking or baking.

Lightweight and Ergonomic 

• Silicone utensils are light in weight compared to stainless steel or other materials, and have ergonomic designs, which lessens hand fatigue during prolonged use in the kitchen.

Resistant to Stains and Rust

• Silicone, unlike metal and wooden utensils, does not stain as a result of acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus. In addition, silicone utensils are rust-free, which aids in extending the lifetime of the utensils.

Wide Variety of Applications

• Silicone utensils include spatulas, whisks, muffin pans, and baking mats, which demonstrate their versatile nature. This adaptability helps utensils meet the requirements of diverse styles of baking and cooking while being durable and effective.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

• As a result of being more reusable and having a longer lifespan, silicone utensils often serve as sustainable replacements for their plastic counterparts. Their durable nature decreases waste thus aiding in supporting eco-friendly practices in the kitchen.

These advantages all contribute to why silicone utensils surpass others. It is the perfect aid now in modern kitchens as it combines usefulness, safety, and sustainability for amateur and professional cooks.

Comparing Silicone Cookware with Plastic Products

A direct comparison of silicone cookware products with plastic items reveals critical differences, especially in durability, safety, and environmental concerns, where silicone clearly takes the lead. While plastic products are affordable and lightweight, their longevity is questionable as they can crack, warp, and degrade with repeated use, especially when heat is involved.

When it comes to safety, plastic utensils can leech BPA (Bisphenol A) or other endocrine-disrupting chemicals at higher temperatures, which is immensely dangerous. In the case of silicone cookware, it is non-toxic and does not melt which means a greater threshold of heat can be dealt with without harmful substances being discharged. Silicone cookware is generally considered safe for at least 428 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) or above, depending on the grade of silicone used.

Silicone outperforms plastic greatly when viewing matters through an environmental lens. Although the two materials have no means of being biodegradable, silicone has a superior lifespan, which lessens the rate at which people need to dispose of them. Furthermore, silicone comes from silica, which is a natural compound, while plastic comes from protein compounds, lowering carbon dioxide emissions and pollution.

Research estimates that after five years, changing from plastic utensils to silicone ones can achieve a 20% reduction in kitchen waste, as silicone tools often remain in service for many years without loss of quality. These factors, together with increasing global focus on environmentally friendly silicone cookware, make such products a healthier and more sustainable option for consumers.

How Silicone Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures

The unique composition of silicone’s molecules is what enables it to endure such high and low temperatures. Silicone’s chemical structure consists of silicon-oxygen bonds, which prevents overheating, freezing, or any temperature within the range of -40°F to 450°F (-40°C to 232°C). Silicone’s ability to maintain its structural integrity and not melt, crack, or turn brittle makes it useful in ovens, freezers, and on stovetops. Moreover, silicone’s non-reactive nature guarantees that no harmful compounds will be released or deterioration of silicone will occur – increasing both safety and durability for its use in various applications.

The Role of Silicone in Medical Devices and Its Benefits

Why Medical Silicone is Crucial for Safety

Due to its one-of-a-kind features and the strict regulations under which it is manufactured, medical-grade silicone is considered one of the most important materials in the construction of safe and effective medical devices. Here are a few pointers on why silicone is one of the most important materials for safety in medical-grade silicone applications, along with pointers and evidence:

Biocompatibility

• Silicone is one of the most biocompatible materials. That is to say, it has no such negative and hurtful reactions when combined with human tissues. Industry expert reports claim that medical grade silicone goes through an exhaustive number of biocompatibility assessments, such as the ISO 10993 standards, to make sure there is no irritation, toxicity, or any immunological reactions. This characteristic of silicone makes it possible to use it for extended periods of time inside the human body, such as in the case of implants and catheters.

Serializability

• Medical silicone is able to endure multiple cycles of sterilization, such as autoclaving, dry heat, gamma irradiation, and ethylene oxide sterilization. Research indicates that the chemical structure of silicone remains undamaged during these procedures, which guarantees reuse and lowers contamination risks.

Flexibility and Durability

• Silicone is ideal for offering both flexibility and a reasonable amount of durability. This allows medical devices to be used roughly without getting out of shape. An example is the use of silicone tubing in infusion pumps, which move under constant pressure but do not lose their functional qualities.

Non-Toxicity

• Silicone is free from plasticizers like phthalates which are toxic in other polymers and it also does not leach harmful chemicals into the body or environment. This makes silicone safe for use in pacemaker leads or neonatal care devices.

Temperature Resistance

• Silicone remains stable under extreme temperature conditions, making it ideal for high-temperature sterilizations or other physiological functions within the body.

Transparency and Customization

• The use of medical silicone can be engineered into transparent forms that allow healthcare providers to monitor for liquids or procedures in drains or tubing devices. Moreover, texture, color, and shape can be customized to achieve better patient outcomes and device performance.

Extended Longevity

• Silicone outmatches all other materials when it comes to wear and tear resistance, along with environmental factors. Because of its long lifespan, silicone enhances safety and reliability of medical devices over time.

Incorporating medical-grade silicone into device manufacturing increases safety, functionality, and biocompatibility for the patient, which can be achieved in various fields of medicine.

Applications of Silicone in Medical Devices

The remarkable properties and versatility of medical-grade silicone have enabled its use in numerous applications relating to health. A comprehensive outline of the primary applications and pertinent information is provided below:

Implants 

• Silicone is incorporated in various implants, including breast, joint, and facial prosthetic implants. Its biocompatibility guarantees the lowest risk of adverse reactions along with flexibility and toughness, enhancing long-term performance. As an example, silicone breast implants are known to have an approximate 1% annual rupture rate, which indicates their reliability for extended periods of time.

Catheters and tubing 

• Silicone’s degree of flexbility, lack of kinking, and non-reactivity in the human body makes it suitable for use in catheters and medical tubing. Silicone is also more durable when compared to PVC tubing, outlasting silicone under sustained use, especially in high-performance conditions like dialysis or cardiovascular procedures.

Wound care products 

• Silicone adhesive sheets and gels are greatly preferred in the management of wounds because they stick better while maintaining damaged skin’s integrity. Most of these products can enhance healing by guaranteeing a moist environment, leaving clinical studies to demonstrate up to 25% reduction in healing time when compared to traditional dressings.

Devices for Drug Delivery

• Controlled drug release, from transdermal patches to implantable drug delivery devices, uses silicone technology. For example, silicone membranes in contraceptive implants ensure accurate hormone delivery for three to five years with an exceptionally high efficacy rate exceeding ninety-nine percent.

Seals and Gaskets

• Medical equipment gaskets and seals must withstand extreme temperatures, and silicone’s chemical stability makes it an essential material. It remains sterilizable, surviving autoclaving and chemical disinfectants, ensuring device integrity over time.

Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices

• These hypoallergenic materials are widely employed for respiratory masks, components of ventilators, and anesthesia bags. These depend on silicone’s strength and flexibility to ensure safe and effective patient care.

Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Skin-friendly, silicone is an integral material in prosthetics and orthotic liners. Research shows that silicone prosthetic liners lower skin friction thus preventing pressure sores and discomfort to patients.

Electrodes and Sensors

• The casing of biomedical electrodes and wearable sensors is made of silicone primarily because of its insulating characteristics and flexibility. Reliable performance of these devices is observed under strenuous mobilization and sweating, with research showing the devices capturing physiological data with up to 98% accuracy.

These applications have established silicone as an essential material in contemporary medicine, ensuring accuracy, dependability, and comfort for both patients and medical practitioners.

Durability and Flexibility of Silicone in Health Care

The widespread use of silicone in health care stems from its durability and flexibility. Its chemical structure renders it resistant to extreme temperatures, (for example, -76°F to over 500°F), making it compatible with both autoclave sterilization and cryogenic storage. Silicone’s resilience also enables implants, tubing, and other medical devices to withstand long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation and oxygen, silicone is ideal for items that require stability over time.

Moreover, silicone possesses the ability to bend to complex shapes while retaining its integrity under repeated stress and deformation. Research shows that medical-grade silicone can withstand more than 1,000 cycles of bending without measurable degradation. Using silicone in catheters and prosthetics, silicone is more reliable than other materials. Its low toxicity, combined with its biocompatibility, guarantees patient safety during long contact with tissues or fluids. Clearly, these features enable robust and adaptable healthcare devices, consequently silicone’s importance as the material of choice in modern medicine is inevitable.

Understanding the Basic Composition: Silicone and Plastic Materials

The Composition of Silicon and Silicon Dioxide

Silicon signifies the element with the atomic symbol Si. It is a constituent of the Earth’s crust and is recognized as one of the most abundantly found elements. As a metalloid, it Silicon exhibits the properties of both metals and nonmetals. The crystalline structure formed by silicon atoms is what facilitates its use in electronics and semiconductors.

Silicon, when reacting with oxygen, produces Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), or Silica as it is more commonly known. Silica can be found in quartz while in sand, it is present in its granular form. Silica has a singular silicon atom attached with two oxygen atoms and has three-dimensional lattice-like structural formation. This article talks about the extensive use of Silicon Dioxide in production of glass and concrete as well as silicon-based products.

How Silicone is Made from Silicon and Oxygen

The initial stage of silicone’s manufacturing process leverages elemental silicon extracted from silica (SiO2) using a reduction method in a furnace. Silica is often combined with carbon components like coke or coal and heated to roughly 3000°F (1650°C). During this reaction, the oxygen present in silica bonds with carbon, and Silicon is left in its elemental form in a purified condition.

A reaction is carried out between silicon and methyl chloride (CH3Cl) in the presence of a copper catalyst at high temperatures to manufacture silicone. This reaction is referred to as the direct process or Müller-Rochow synthesis. It yields organosilicon compounds called methylchlorosilanes which undergo distilation and separation into different forms of chlorosilanes, with Dimethyldichlorosilane ((CH3)2SiCl2) being the most used one as it is a key intermediate compound.

The hydrolysis reaction is the next step where Chlorosilanes react with water to yield silanol compounds (R-Si(OH)x).These silanols can polymerize, resulting in chains or networks that alternate with silicon and oxygen atoms, which are known as polysiloxanes. These compounds are the primary constituents of silicone. Different Silicone materials such as fluids, rubbers, and resins can be synthesized by altering the chain lengths and side groups.

The latest innovations in silicone refining have made production more effective, environmentally friendly, and less energy-intensive. For example, improved catalytic processes have raised the output of significant intermediate compounds, and wastage recycling processes have reduced byproduct waste. These advancements allow a wide range of industries including health care, electronics, construction, and automotive manufacturing continue to use silicone materials.

Comparing Plastic Material and Silicone Rubber

Properties, applications, and effects on the environment distinguish plastic materials from silicone rubbers. With its origin from petrochemicals, plastic is lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective. On the bad side, it is not very durable in case of extreme temperatures or severe environmental stress. Silicone rubbers, on the contrary, are more durable because of their excellent thermal stability, flexibility, resistance to weathering, and resistance to UV exposure. This makes silicone rubbers ideal for applications where there is a need for superior performance and longevity under a wide range of conditions.

Plastic materials are difficult to recycle and contribute to pollution, which poses some sort of risk to the environment. Silicone rubber is not biodegradable, but it is far easier to specialize and recycle silicone rubber. Also, silicone rubber has a longer life span which lessens the need to frequently replace it. These differing characteristics enable silicone rubber to be the superior choice for applications with durability as a primary concern, while plastics are more suited for lightweight and cost-sensitive applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the major contrasts between silicone and plastic?

A: While silicone is an elastomer (a type of synthetic rubber), plastic is a synthetic polymer. Silicone is more flexible and better at resisting heat than plastic, which is rigid and less tolerant of heat. Silicone rubber is more non-reactive to extreme conditions than most plastics.

Q: In the battle of silicone vs. plastic, which one lasts longer?

A: The consideration of durability between silicone and plastic depends on a specific application. Silicone rubber is better at withstanding extreme heat and is more resistant to UV rays and chemicals as compared to other types of silicone. On the other hand, some plastics have greater resistance to abrasion and tears. Generally, silicone outlasts plastic in extreme condition environments.

Q: Does silicone have a lower negative impact on the environment than plastic?

A: Silicone is categorized as a more eco-friendly material than plastic. Its ability to last longer than plastic, means less silicone waste, but it also means silicone doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the environment during disposal. Also unlike plastic, silicone doesn’t degrade into microparticles which are harmful to ocean life. Like plastic, silicone does remain a synthetic material that is non-biodegradable.

Q: Does silicone or plastic make mold material better?

A: Silicone is most often preferred over plastic due to its flexibility, durability, and ability to capture finer details. Silicone molds are ideal for casting materials due to high temp tolerance, and repeated use. While some forms of plastic may be suitable for molds, they do not provide the level of flexibility or heat tolerance that silicone offers.

Q: Are silicone products more expensive than plastic ones?

A: Silicone products tend to be more expensive than their plastic counterparts due to costlier raw materials and a more intricate manufacturing technique. However, in many applications, the longer life and better functioning of silicone can neutralize its higher upfront cost.

Q: Can silicone rubber be made electrically conductive like some plastics can?

A: Yes, silicone rubber can take on electrical conductivity with the use of some additives like carbon black or metal particles. This lets silicone be used in areas where electrical conduction is necessary, like with plastics.

Q: In the context of heat resistance, how do silicone and plastic rank side by side?

A: Silicone rubber tends to outperform most plastics in regards to heat resistance. Depending on the formulation, silicone has the capacity to endure heating from -50°C to 250°C and beyond. The temperature tolerance of most plastics is much lower, from -20°C to 100°C. Because of this silicone is a great candidate for use in high-temperature scenarios.

Q: Which of the two is better, silicone or plastic, for serving food?

A: Silicone is usually preferred for food preparation and storage since it doesn’t react to chemicals and high or low temperatures as much as other materials. It also does not leach as many chemicals as some plastics do. Still, many food-grade high-quality plastics are affordable and do not pose a health risk which makes them a more appealing option. It all comes down to how the products will be used and the user’s preferences.

Reference Sources

1. Application of Deep Learning Through Transfer Learning For The Assessment Of Erosion On the Surface Of Silicone Rubber Materials

• Authors: Abd Elaziz Youssef El Haj, Ahmed El-Hag, Rihab Ghunem
• Journal: IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation
• Published On: August 1, 2021
• Citation: (Haj et al. 2021, pp. 1465–1467)
• Summary: This article describes the design of a deep-learning model that automates the inspection process for outdoor silicone rubber insulators. The scientists employed the inclined plane tracking and erosion test to replicate standard erosion on silicone rubber insulation composites. During the experiments, images were captured which were then used to train a CNN for classifying erosion damage into light, moderate and severe. The results recorded from the model’s classification were accurate during and showcases its use for monitoring silicone rubber insulators in power systems.

2. Examination of the consequences Multi-Stress aging at 9000 hours on the hybrid composite insulator with Silica (Nano/Micro) fillers and Silicone Rubber High Temperature Vulcanized

• Authors: A. Rashid, J. Saleem, M. Amin, S. M. Ali, Aftab Ahmad Khan, M B Qureshi, Sara Ali, Dr. D. Dancey, R. Nawaz
• Journal: PLoS ONE
• Publication Date: July 28, 2021
• Citation: (Rashid et al., 2021)
• Summary: This paper covers the study of aging processes in high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber nanocomposites hybridized with nano-silica and micro-alumina trihydrate (ATH) under severe long-term accelerated aging. The analysis was based on three measurements: leakage current, hydrophobicity class, and structural changes observation through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results show that the aging characteristics of the hybrid samples were better than unfilled aged specimens, and some formulations were more optimal than the others.

3. Research on the aging features and assessment techniques of RTV silicone rubber in a humid region

• Authors: Hao Yang, R. Wen, Heng Zhao, M. Guo, Lu Zhang, Yu Chen
• Journal: PLoS ONE
• Published on: 04 Jun 2021
• Cite as: (Yang et al., 2021)
• Abstract: This research investigates the aging features of silicone rubber, referred to as room temperature vulcanized (RTV) under high humidity conditions silicone rubber. The authors devised an aging classification method by studying the microtopography of RTV samples, which revealed that as aging progressed, the constituents of C, Si, O, and Al changed significantly. Provides information regarding the performance evaluation and replacement of RTV silicone rubber in electronic work.

4. RTV Silicone Rubber Insulators With Low Hydrophobicity Classification Using Deep Learning Techniques

• Authors: Farook Mustafa, Ayman El-Hag
• Journal: 23rd International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering (ISH 2023)
• Publication Date: 2023
• Citation: (Mustafa & El-Hag, 2023)
• Summary: This paper describes a technique for estimating the hydrophobicity levels of RTV silicone rubber insulators by applying deep learning techniques. The authors constructed a methodology that benchmarks the hydrophobicity of insulators through image analysis, which is fundamental in averting early transmission line tripping. The results found that the level of hydrophobicity was accurately classified with minimal error, demonstrating its usefulness within the industry.

5. Polluted Silicone Rubber Insulators Classification with The Use of Machine Learning Enhanced by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

• Authors: K. Sanjana, M. S. Babu, R. Sarathi, Naresh Chillu
• Journal: IEEE Access
• Publication Date: 2023
• Citation: (Sanjana et al., 2023, pp. 1752–1760)
• Summary: This research aims to collect, classify, and analyze contaminated silicone rubber samples using artificial intelligence and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The study captures radiation caused by ions created after a laser pulse strikes different silicone rubber surfaces. Different machine learning algorithms are applied to classify the pollutants based on the acquired spectra. The approach presented in the study effectively differentiates between various forms of pollution. Hence, it can be used to assess the state of silicone rubber insulators.

6. Plastic

7. Polymer

8. Silicone rubber