{"id":19299,"date":"2026-05-28T22:28:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T20:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lindemannsilikon.de\/?page_id=19299"},"modified":"2026-05-28T22:28:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T20:28:02","slug":"naturkautschuk-vs-silikon-en","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lindemannsilikon.de\/en\/naturkautschuk-vs-silikon-en\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Rubber vs. Silicone: Which Elastomer for Which Application?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Natural<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Natural rubber and silicone are both elastic materials, yet they are fundamentally different in their chemistry and properties. Natural rubber is harvested from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and is a purely organic polymer. Silicone is a fully synthetic polysiloxane based on quartz sand. Silicone is superior in temperature resistance, UV stability and chemical inertness, while natural rubber leads in tensile strength and price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Rubber: Origin and Properties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Natural rubber (NR, chemically cis-1,4-polyisoprene) is extracted from the latex sap of the rubber tree. After coagulation and vulcanization, the result is a highly elastic material with outstanding tensile strength (20-30 N\/mm\u00b2) and excellent abrasion resistance. For more than 150 years, natural rubber has been the reference material for tires, conveyor belts and mechanically heavy-duty rubber parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weaknesses of natural rubber: a maximum continuous service temperature of 80 \u00b0C, poor UV and ozone resistance, and swelling in oils and fuels. This makes natural rubber unsuitable for many modern industrial applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silicone: Origin and Properties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Silicone rubber (VMQ, vinyl methyl silicone) is produced synthetically from quartz sand. The M\u00fcller-Rochow process generates methylchlorosilanes, which are then polymerized into polysiloxanes and cross-linked with peroxides or platinum catalysts. The Si-O-Si backbone, with a bond energy of 450 kJ\/mol, is significantly more stable than the C-C bond of organic polymers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silicone withstands temperatures from -60 \u00b0C to +250 \u00b0C, is UV- and ozone-resistant, chemically inert and biocompatible. Its tensile strength of 5-12 N\/mm\u00b2 is, however, significantly lower than that of natural rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct Comparison: Natural Rubber vs. Silicone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The table below shows the key properties of both materials in direct comparison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Property<\/th>Natural Rubber (NR)<\/th>Silicone (VMQ)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Continuous service temperature<\/td>-40 \u00b0C to +80 \u00b0C<\/td>-60 \u00b0C to +200 \u00b0C (HTV: +250 \u00b0C)<\/td><\/tr>
Tensile strength<\/td>20-30 N\/mm\u00b2<\/td>5-12 N\/mm\u00b2<\/td><\/tr>
Elongation at break<\/td>500-800 %<\/td>200-800 %<\/td><\/tr>
UV \/ ozone resistance<\/td>poor<\/td>excellent<\/td><\/tr>
Resistance to oils<\/td>poor<\/td>moderate (FVMQ: good)<\/td><\/tr>
Resistance to acids \/ alkalis<\/td>moderate<\/td>good<\/td><\/tr>
Food-contact approval<\/td>possible (with restrictions)<\/td>yes (BfR XV, FDA)<\/td><\/tr>
Medical approval<\/td>limited (latex allergy)<\/td>yes (USP Class VI, ISO 10993)<\/td><\/tr>
Price per kg<\/td>2-4 \u20ac<\/td>8-25 \u20ac<\/td><\/tr>
Typical application<\/td>Tires, conveyor belts<\/td>High-temperature seals, medical, food<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When to Use Natural Rubber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Natural rubber is the right choice when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n