When exploring the question “is silicone conductive?”, it is essential to distinguish between non-conductive silicone and engineered conductive silicone. Pure silicone rubber is naturally an excellent insulator, but with the addition of conductive fillers, silicone can achieve remarkable electrical properties while maintaining its elasticity and thermal resistance. In this article, we compare conductive silicone with non-conductive silicone, focusing on their performance, applications, and technical data from real-world material formulations such as the DD Series Conductive Silicone.
Table of Contents
- Properties of Non-Conductive Silicone
- Properties of Conductive Silicone
- Key Technical Differences
- Applications Across Industries
- Environmental and Safety Certifications
- Why Partner with Experts
- Conclusion
Properties of Non-Conductive Silicone
Non-conductive silicone is widely known as a dielectric material. Its molecular structure prevents the free movement of electrons, making it an ideal insulator. These properties make it valuable for applications such as cable insulation, sealing of electronic housings, and protective coatings where preventing electrical flow is critical. Non-conductive silicone typically offers:
- High dielectric strength
- Excellent thermal resistance (-50°C to +200°C)
- Superior flexibility and weather resistance
- Safe use in medical and food-grade applications
Properties of Conductive Silicone
Conductive silicone is created by adding fillers such as carbon black, silver, nickel, or graphene into the silicone matrix. This modification allows current to pass through while maintaining mechanical resilience. Data from the DD Series Conductive Silicone:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}shows how these materials achieve both mechanical performance and electrical conductivity:
| Series | Hardness (Shore A) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Tear Strength (kN/m) | Surface Resistance (Ω) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD11 Series | 50–80 | ≥3.5–4.0 | 80–250 | ≥14–20 | ≤300 |
| DD13 Series | 40–80 | ≥3.5–5.5 | 150–400 | ≥14–20 | ≤150–300 |
| DD23 Series | 40–80 | ≥3.5–5.5 | 150–400 | ≥14–20 | ≤150–300 |
These values highlight that conductive silicone can achieve both mechanical durability (tear strength, elongation) and electrical conductivity (surface resistance ≤150–300Ω).
Key Technical Differences
Comparing the two categories, the main differences are clear:
- Electrical Behavior: Non-conductive silicone insulates, conductive silicone enables current flow.
- Material Composition: Conductive silicone integrates conductive fillers without losing elasticity.
- Applications: Non-conductive for insulation and sealing, conductive for EMI shielding, touch sensors, and grounding components.
- Resistance Values: Conductive silicone achieves ≤150–300Ω surface resistance, while non-conductive silicone has near-infinite resistance.
Applications Across Industries
The unique performance of conductive silicone makes it indispensable in several fields:
- Electronics: EMI shielding, gaskets, and connectors
- Automotive: Conductive seals and anti-static components
- Medical Devices: Wearable sensors, electrodes, and diagnostic tools
- Consumer Products: Touchscreen interfaces and smart devices
Non-conductive silicone, by contrast, is best for insulation, waterproofing, and protective housings.
Environmental and Safety Certifications
According to the DD series specifications:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}, conductive silicone products comply with RoHS, SGS halogen-free standards, and REACH certification. These certifications ensure that the materials are environmentally safe and suitable for international markets.
Why Partner with Experts
Choosing the right silicone formulation is critical to achieving product success. At TNSilicone, we provide customized solutions in HTV silicone, LSR silicone, and conductive compounds. By leveraging advanced formulations such as the DD series, we ensure that our clients receive high-performance materials that meet both technical and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The key difference between conductive and non-conductive silicone lies in their ability to transmit electricity. While non-conductive silicone serves as an exceptional insulator, conductive silicone expands possibilities in advanced technology applications. With products like the DD series conductive silicone, manufacturers can rely on proven performance data that combines mechanical durability, controlled conductivity, and international compliance — making silicone one of the most adaptable materials in modern industry.
