Is Industrial Silicone Toxic?

Porous and having a high specific surface area, industrial silica gel has a water content ranging from 2 to 10% of its total weight. When silica gel meets specified requirements, it can absorb water up to 40% of its weight. Many silanol groups, which have strong hydrogen bonding and hygroscopic characteristics, are present on its surface.

Sources Of Toxicity Of Industrial Silicone

1. Is the curing agent the cause of the “toxicity” of industrial silicone?

The curing agent is mostly responsible for industrial silicone’s ” toxicity.” Food-grade silicone employs a platinum curing agent, which is odorless and non-toxic, whereas industrial-grade silicone uses an environmentally unfriendly, toxic curing agent with a strong stench. For instance, in actual manufacturing, organotin—a hazardous substance—and ethyl orthosilicate are the principal curing agents used in industrial silicone. Despite the minuscule amount utilized, it nevertheless turns industrial silicone hazardous.

2. Potential harmful effects of industrial silicone

First, the properties of the components in industrial silicone curing solutions contribute to their toxicity. For instance, when mixed with silicone, these compounds may produce hazardous substances, rendering industrial silicone poisonous. Second, the curing agent may not function correctly throughout the operation process, raising the risk of toxicity, if standard operating protocols are not followed and the liquid glue is not mixed and stirred in proportion. Furthermore, the operational environment may also have an impact on the toxicity of industrial silicone curing chemicals. The silicone will likely become contaminated during storage if the operational environment is not hygienic and clean, which would increase the toxicity of the curing process.

Poisoning may also result from a stirring container that is not clean, has water residue, or is not cleaned promptly after using condensation-type industrial-grade liquid silicone in it. The danger of toxicity can also be increased by poisoning reactions that occur after contact with heavy metal compounds and prevent the silicone from hardening. Due to the platinum catalysts present in addition-type food-grade silicone, the industrial silicone curing agent may devour the platinum catalyst upon coming into contact with it, preventing the silicone from solidifying and thereby producing toxicity.

The Difference Between Food Grade And Industrial Grade Silicone

1. Silicone suitable for food and industrial use

The following make silicone that is suitable for food use safe and non-toxic. Firstly, silicone that is suitable for food use is often a colloidal inorganic polymer that is created when silicic acid polycondenses. Its substance is durable and resistant to dissolution in water or other solvents. Second, a platinum curing agent, which is safe, non-toxic, ecologically friendly, and tasteless, and can pass FDA food-grade certification, is used in the production of food-grade silicone.

The primary cause of industrial-grade silicone’s potential toxicity is the employment of an unsustainable curing agent. The primary curing agent used in industrial-grade silicone is organotin, which has a strong smell, is hazardous, and is not good for the environment. Silicone is poisonous even though relatively little of it is used in industrial silicone. Furthermore, contamination of industrial silicone and an increased risk of toxicity might result from process irregularities including dirty mixing containers and messy workspaces.

2. Important elements explaining how the two varieties of silicone differ in terms of safety

Whereas industrial-grade silicone utilizes an organotin curing agent, food-grade silicone employs platinum curing agent, which is safe and environmentally benign. Food-grade silicone is characterized by its non-toxicity, odorlessness, heat resistance, aging resistance, wear resistance, ease of cleaning, soft and comfortable feel, and variety of colors. Food-grade silicone goods also have a smooth, easily cleanable surface that is difficult to contaminate with oil. Additionally, food-grade silicone is excellent for use in products that come into direct contact with food since it feels soft and comforting to the touch.

Industrial-grade silicone does, however, also possess several physical and chemical characteristics, such as good heat stability and reasonably stable characteristics at room temperature and pressure. However, there is a considerable toxicity risk because of the non-environmental nature of its curing ingredient and the potential for being impacted by different elements during the operating process.

The primary cause of the variation in safety is the variation in curing agents. The food-grade silicone’s platinum curing agent is odorless, non-toxic, and suitable for human health. Industrial-grade silicone’s organotin curing agent is hazardous and not ecologically friendly; even a tiny amount of use will turn the silicone toxic. Furthermore, the toxicity of industrial silicone can be influenced by various circumstances, including working techniques, environmental conditions, and interaction with other compounds. Food-grade silicone is subject to considerably stronger criteria in these areas, which ensures its safety.

How To Ensure The Safety Of Using Industrial Silicone?

1. The importance of choosing regular products and correct operating procedures

It is crucial to choose regular industrial silicone products. Products produced by regular manufacturers usually undergo strict quality inspections, and the control of raw materials is more stringent, which can effectively reduce the potential risks of products.

The correct operating procedures should not be ignored. Taking the production of silicone molds as an example, if the correct steps are not followed, it may cause problems such as sticking to the mold, brittle finished products, and easy aging. In the glue mixing process, it is necessary to prepare an electronic scale for accurate mixing, and fully mix the A and B components of the silicone in a ratio of 100:2, otherwise it will affect the service life of the silicone mold and the number of mold turnovers.

It is best to hover the silicone for no more than ten minutes at a time to prevent the silicone from curing too quickly and causing a cross-linking reaction. The replicated product or model should have an even application of the mold release or isolation agent before the glue is poured. The gauze fiber fabric should be pasted twice to increase strength and tension. Finally, room-temperature curing is all that is required for industrial-grade silicone. Adhering according to these guidelines can help prevent issues and guarantee safe usage.

2. Advice on safety when using industrial silicone

First, pick reliable sources and brands. By looking for the supplier’s qualifying credentials, such as ISO 9001 quality management system certification, RoHS environmental certification, etc., you may find out more about the caliber and dependability of their products. Simultaneously, you can assess the supplier’s overall strength by consulting client reviews and success stories.

Secondly, make sure the workspace is tidy and sanitary before using industrial silicone. To avoid contaminating silicone, stay away from dusty and humid areas when operating. After using condensed industrial-grade liquid silicone, the mixing container needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried, leaving no trace of moisture.

Furthermore, it is imperative to adhere precisely to the operation guidelines. Make sure the silicone and curing agent are well mixed, give them a good stir, and don’t operate improperly, as this could lead to uneven or incomplete curing of the silicone, which would raise the danger of toxicity.

Additionally, to avoid poisoning reactions, keep industrial silicone away from heavy metal compounds. Simultaneously, be mindful of the storage circumstances; keep the silicone sealed to prevent moisture entry or dust pollution, and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and humid settings.

Lastly, you should promptly replace any silicone product that exhibits anomalous phenomena during usage, such as deformation, yellowing, odor, etc. It is advised to frequently perform expert disinfection on silicone products used in some critical sectors, such as medical supplies, to ensure safe use. You can use UV, steam, alcohol, or hot water disinfection; however, be cautious not to use strong acids, strong alkalis, or other very corrosive cleaning agents or disinfectants as these could damage silicone products. Make sure the silicone product is totally dry before using it after disinfection to prevent moisture from growing bacteria.