In what cases can TPE not replace silicone?

In today's material science field, TPE and silicone are both highly regarded polymer materials. They each have unique properties and advantages and are widely used in various industries. However, although TPE can show similar properties to silicone in many aspects, in some specific cases, TPE cannot completely replace silicone. So in what specific cases can TPE not replace silicone? Let's take a look at it together!

In the following cases, TPE cannot replace silicone:

When high-strength and high-hardness materials are required:

Silicone can maintain high mechanical strength and hardness at both high and low temperatures, and although TPE has a wide range of hardness, in some applications that require high strength and high hardness, such as some industrial seals, high-strength wear-resistant parts, etc., silicone is still a better choice.

When fatigue and pressure need to be withstood for a long time:

Silicone has good fatigue resistance and pressure resistance, and can maintain stable performance under long-term pressure and fatigue. Although TPE also has certain elasticity and toughness, its performance may gradually decline when it is subjected to high-intensity fatigue and pressure for a long time.

When good chemical resistance and aging resistance are required:

Silicone has excellent chemical stability and aging resistance, can resist corrosion from a variety of chemicals, and can maintain stable performance after long-term use. Although TPE also has certain chemical resistance and aging resistance, its performance may be affected in certain extreme chemical environments or when exposed to harsh conditions for a long time.

When there are strict requirements for electrical insulation performance:

Silicone has a high resistivity, and its resistance value can remain stable over a wide temperature range and frequency range, so it is widely used as an insulating material in the fields of electronics and electrical engineering. Although TPE also has certain insulation properties, silicone is still the preferred material in some applications with strict requirements for electrical insulation performance, such as high-voltage insulators and electrical components.

When used in extreme temperature environments:

Silicone has better high temperature resistance than TPE, and its temperature resistance range is usually between 200 and 300 degrees, while TPE's high temperature resistance range is generally between 130-150 degrees Celsius. In high temperature environments, TPE may age and crack, affecting its performance and service life. In addition, silicone has good low temperature resistance and can maintain good elasticity in extremely cold environments.

When there are high requirements for the surface finish and transparency of the material:

Silicone products usually have a smooth surface and good transparency, which can meet certain applications with high requirements for surface finish and transparency. The surface finish and transparency of TPE products may vary due to different formulations and processing techniques, and it is difficult to reach the same level as silicone.

In specific application areas (such as adult products):

Although TPE is similar to silicone in many aspects, in certain specific application areas, such as adult products, silicone is widely used due to its better softness, comfort and compatibility with human skin. Although TPE also has certain performance in these aspects, silicone is still considered a better choice.

Therefore, when choosing to use TPE or silicone, you need to weigh various factors according to the specific application and needs. In some cases, TPE can replace silicone, but in the specific occasions mentioned above, silicone is still a better choice.