What is the Difference Between Addition Silicone and Condensation Silicone?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between addition silicone and condensation silicone lies in their curing processes and the resulting properties. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Curing Process: Addition silicone forms from an addition chemical reaction, while condensation silicone forms from a condensation chemical reaction.
- Curing Time: Condensation silicones react when a liquid or paste activator is added, and the reactions involved occur at ambient temperature. This means that the curing time is directly proportional to the ambient temperature. Addition silicones, on the other hand, use a platinum-based catalyst for curing, which offers shorter curing times.
- Shrinkage: Condensation silicone molds cure with a slight degree of shrinkage, while addition silicone cures with virtually no shrinkage.
- Strength and Durability: Addition silicones are generally more pliable and tough than condensation silicones. Condensation silicone molds tend to weaken or tear after a year or two, depending on the amount of use.
- Heat Resistance: Addition silicones offer exceptional heat resistance and work better in high temperatures.
- Cost: Condensation silicones are more economical and are typically preferred for general mold making, while addition silicones are often used in high-temperature applications.
Both types of silicone are used in various applications, such as removable metal dentures, indirect cast restorations, and matrices for indirect restorations. The choice between addition and condensation silicone depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as curing time, shrinkage, strength, durability, heat resistance, and cost.
Comparative Table: Addition Silicone vs Condensation Silicone
The main difference between addition silicone and condensation silicone lies in their chemical reactions and dimensional stability. Here is a comparison table of their properties:
Property | Addition Silicone | Condensation Silicone |
---|---|---|
Chemical Reaction | Forms from an addition reaction of silicone elastomer | Forms from a condensation chemical reaction |
Dimensional Stability | Greater dimensional stability due to the lack of by-products | Lower dimensional stability due to the release of volatile by-products during the condensation reaction |
Shrinkage | Virtually no shrinkage | A slight degree of shrinkage |
Catalyst | Vulcanization process triggered by the addition of a catalyst | Tin(ii) octoate is the most common activator |
Mixing and Working | Simple and easy to mix | More complex and needs to be mixed manually using a metallic spatula |
Reaction Time | Faster in warm rooms and slower in cold rooms | Setting usually occurs at room temperature |
Both addition and condensation silicones are used in dentistry for making impressions, but addition silicones have become more popular due to their greater dimensional stability and easier handling.
- Silicon vs Silicone
- Addition Polymerization vs Condensation Polymerization
- Silicone vs Siloxane
- Silicone vs Silica
- Organosilicon vs Silicone
- Silane vs Siloxane
- Rubber vs Silicone
- Copolymer vs Condensation Polymer
- Acetoxy Silicone vs Neutral Cure Silicone
- Hydrogel vs Silicone Hydrogel
- Acrylic vs Silicone Sealant
- RTV vs Silicone
- Aldol Addition vs Aldol Condensation
- Caulk vs Silicone
- Polysiloxane vs Polydimethylsiloxane
- Silicon vs Silica
- TPU vs Silicone
- Dimethicone vs Simethicone
- Condensation vs Freezing