If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what’s the difference between silicon and silicone, you’re not alone. They sound almost identical, but they’re actually completely different materials with distinct uses, properties, and chemical structures.
In this article, we break down the key differences between silicon and silicone, and explain why understanding them matters, especially when it comes to industrial and manufacturing applications.
What Is Silicon?
Silicon is a natural chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It’s the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust (after oxygen) and is primarily found in silica; the compound that makes up most of sand, quartz and rock.
Silicon is classified as a metalloid, meaning it has properties similar to both metals and non-metals. It’s not as conductive as metal, but not as insulating as non-metal either. This unique position on the periodic table gives silicon its semiconducting characteristics, making it a vital material in modern electronics.
In its pure form, silicon is a hard, brittle, crystalline solid with a metallic grey appearance. While it’s naturally found in silica, it must be refined at extremely high temperatures to isolate it into the form used in industrial and technological applications.
Silicon plays a crucial role in the electronics industry, where its ability to partially conduct electricity (as a semiconductor) is used to create microchips, solar panels, transistors and integrated circuits.
Key facts about silicon:
- Atomic element (Si), atomic number 14
- A metalloid: part-metal, part-non-metal
- Found in sand and rock as silica (SiO₂)
- Conductive and crystalline
- Used in semiconductors and electronics
What Is Silicone?
Silicone, on the other hand, is a man-made synthetic polymer made from a combination of silicon, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. Although it originates from silicon, it is chemically transformed into a completely different substance with its own unique structure and properties.
Silicone belongs to a family of materials known as elastomers, substances that are flexible and rubber-like but return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed. It’s made by polymerising siloxane chains (alternating silicon and oxygen atoms), often with added fillers and curing agents, to produce a material that can be soft and flexible or firm and durable, depending on the formulation.
One of the defining characteristics of silicone is its exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, UV light, ozone and moisture. It is also chemically inert, non-toxic, and long-lasting, which makes it ideal for use in industries that demand high performance and strict hygiene, such as pharmaceuticals & healthcare, food production, dairy farming and industrial manufacturing.
Unlike rigid silicon, silicone is mouldable, elastic and perfect for physical applications where flexibility, safety and durability are required.
Key facts about silicone:
- Synthetic elastomer made from silicon and other elements
- Flexible, mouldable and rubber-like
- Excellent temperature, UV and chemical resistance
- Non-toxic and food-safe
- Used in medical, food, dairy, automotive and industrial products
Find out more: What is Silicone?
Why the Confusion?
The confusion largely comes down to naming. The words silicon and silicone not only have just a single letter difference, but they also sound very similar. It also doesn’t help the confusion that silicone is made from silicon (amongst other elements). Despite this, they are distinct substances and functionally very different!
Different Applications
While silicon and silicone are chemically related, their uses could not be more different. Each serves a distinct purpose in industry, manufacturing and technology.
Silicon: The Backbone of Electronics
Silicon is primarily used in the electronics industry due to its unique semiconducting properties. As a metalloid, it can both conduct and resist electrical flow, making it ideal for controlling current in modern technology. You’ll find silicon at the heart of:
- Computer chips and processors
- Solar panels
- Transistors and diodes
- Printed circuit boards
- Sensors and integrated circuits
Fun Fact: The famous “Silicon Valley” in California is named after the silicon used in computer chips. The area became the centre of the tech world thanks to its pioneering role in semiconductor development.
Silicone: The Flexible Workhorse
Silicone, in contrast, is used for physical, mechanical, and hygienic applications. It’s valued for its flexibility, stability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and environmental exposure. You’ll find silicone in:
- Medical tubing, implants and devices
- Food-grade seals and bakeware
- Dairy and milking equipment (like liners and tubing)
- Automotive gaskets and engine components
- Industrial seals, mouldings, and extrusions
Silicon or Silicone: Which One Does Silclear Work With?
At Silclear, we work exclusively with silicone; more specifically silicone rubber that is formulated for high-performance industrial use. As a leading UK silicone manufacturer, we produce silicone tubing, mouldings and extrusions for industries such as dairy, food & drink processing, pharmaceuticals and industrial applications.
Our products are made from carefully compounded silicone materials tailored for hygiene, flexibility and durability in critical environments.
Conclusion
While they may sound similar, silicon and silicone are completely different substances. One is a naturally occurring chemical element used in electronics, the other a synthetic, rubber-like material used across many industries.
Silicone is derived from silicon, but the final product behaves in entirely different ways. Silicon is a solid natural element, while silicone is a versatile man-made polymer more like rubber or plastic. In short: Silicon is mined. Silicone is manufactured.
So there you have it. Next time you see the term “silicone products“, you’ll know that it’s not the metalloid element found in microchips or beach sand, but a durable, high-performance rubber-like material.
To find out more about silicone and the products that Silclear makes from it, contact us today on +44 (0)1425 610700, email info@silclear.com or contact us here.
