Environmental Impact of Silicone Rubber Sheet: Is it harmful to nature?

 

Sustainability is a worldwide concern. Industries prefer adopting eco-friendly practices to maintain sustainability. We often use silicone rubber products as an alternative to plastic. But do we know if it is safe for nature? 

Does a silicone rubber sheet release harmful toxins and gases into the ecosystems after disposal?

If you are maintaining sustainable practices, you should keep a close eye on the products you are using. A silicone rubber sheet is composed of silicone polymer comprising silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. It is inert, flexible, and lightweight. Besides, silicone sheets have excellent resistance against high temperatures, UV rays, and ozone.

Silicone Rubber Sheet: Friend or Foe of the Planet?

In 2023, the silicone market size was reported to be estimated at USD 21.33 billion. From 2024 to 2030, it shows the forecast of growth at a CAGR of 6.0%. Check out the following points to know whether silicone sheets are eco-friendly or not!

1. Sustainability: 

A silicone rubber sheet is highly durable. It does not swell or degrade in high temperatures up to +225 degrees centigrade, approximately. In addition, a silicone rubber sheet does not become brittle and crack in cold temperatures up to -60 degrees centigrade. Owing to its long service life, you do not have to dispose of it frequently. 

2. Biodegradability:

Silicone rubber sheet manufacturers in India and other countries say that it does not easily biodegrade. As a result, it may result in landfill waste. In addition, due to photodegradation, it can break down into microplastics. Silicone is indeed a safer alternative to plastics. Plastic is non-biodegradable and leaches harmful chemicals into the ecosystem when it breaks down.

 

However, the degradation of a silicone rubber sheet gives by-products like silica and siloxanes. They usually have low toxicity but some siloxanes may be harmful.

3. Toxicity: 

FDA-approved silicone rubber sheet is non-toxic. Besides, it does not cause allergic reactions to the human body. The medical sector uses silicone rubber products as implants, prosthetics, surgical tools, and others. 

In addition, it has applications as food container seals, baking molds, and others. Silicone rubber sheet has good resistance against organic solvents and chemicals. It does not have any toxic reactions with their exposure. 

4. Carbon Footprint: 

Carbon footprint refers to the released amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere after certain activities. Most silicone rubber sheet manufacturers in India and other countries use non-renewable resources. Thus, the production process involves hydrocarbons from petroleum. This can contribute to carbon emissions. 

Besides, the silicone sheet suppliers agree that the production involves a huge carbon footprint. Silicone rubber sheet production involves polymerization, curing, and others. 

5. Recyclability: 

Silicone rubber sheet does not biodegrade easily. As a result, it can lead to long-term environmental concerns. Silicone rubber sheet manufacturers in India and other countries say that is tough to recycle silicone.

However, you can only recycle it for a particular number of times. It tends to lose its properties with continuous recycling.

To wrap it up, 

You should choose silicone rubber sheet manufacturers in India and other countries that conduct sustainable practices. Though silicone sheets are not entirely eco-friendly, it is a better alternative to plastics. 

Silicone suppliers suggest that they are non-toxic and sustainable to an extent. However, their production may have a high carbon footprint.

FAQ

Do silicone sheets have high-temperature resistance?

Silicone rubber sheeting can perform efficiently up to +225 degrees centigrade. They have different industrial applications like seals and heat-expansion joints. In addition, manufacturers use them to make oven mitts, baking mats, and others. These are high-temperature applications.

What are the different industrial silicone rubber uses?

Silicone rubber has versatile applications. It is used to make seals starting like electrical and lighting fixture seals, dryer fan housing seals, and others. Besides, manufacturers use it to make isolation barriers and insulating strips. Other applications include weatherproof flashing and flange gaskets on pipes & tanks.

Where can you get high-quality silicone sheets at a competitive silicone sheet price?

You should choose reputed silicone sheet suppliers for quality-assured silicone sheets. Duratuf has been a leading supplier of silicone sheets for the past 14+ years. Moreover, they offer thoroughly tested products at a competitive silicone rubber sheet price. They avail different grades of silicone sheets and customization options.