| Typical Chemistry | Usually a two-part resin and hardener system; cures through a chemical reaction. | Available as one-part moisture-curing or two-part addition- or condensation-curing systems. | Usually a two-part polyol and isocyanate system; cures through a chemical reaction. |
| Typical Cured Hardness | Often rigid, commonly around Shore D 70–90, depending on formulation. | Usually flexible, commonly around Shore A 10–80, depending on formulation. | Ranges from soft and flexible to semi-rigid; hardness may be specified on Shore A or Shore D scales. |
| Flexibility and Stress Relief | Generally low flexibility; rigid grades can place greater mechanical stress on components during temperature changes. | Typically high flexibility and good vibration and thermal-cycle stress relief. | Typically offers moderate to high flexibility and can cushion components against vibration. |
| Typical Thermal Conductivity | Unfilled grades are often approximately 0.2–0.4 W/(m·K); thermally conductive fillers can increase this substantially. | Unfilled grades are often approximately 0.15–0.3 W/(m·K); filled grades are available. | Unfilled grades are often approximately 0.15–0.3 W/(m·K); filled grades are available. |
| Temperature Performance | Can provide good heat resistance, but the usable range depends on the formulation, glass-transition temperature, and service conditions. | Often selected for a wide service-temperature range; the exact limits depend on the silicone chemistry and formulation. | Performance depends strongly on chemistry; prolonged high-temperature exposure may be more limiting than for some silicone grades. |
| Moisture and Chemical Resistance | Often provides good moisture and chemical resistance once fully cured; resistance varies by resin and exposure. | Generally offers strong weathering and moisture resistance; chemical resistance should be checked for the specific fluid or environment. | Can provide good moisture resistance, but some formulations may be sensitive to moisture during processing or cure. |
| Electrical Insulation | Commonly used for electrical insulation and protection; verify dielectric properties for the selected grade and design. | Commonly used where flexible electrical insulation and protection are needed; verify properties for the selected grade. | Commonly used for electrical insulation and cushioning; verify dielectric properties and long-term environmental compatibility. |
| Cure and Processing Considerations | Mixing ratio, pot life, cure schedule, and exotherm need to be managed, particularly in larger pours. | One-part moisture-cure products may cure slowly in deep sections; two-part systems can offer more controlled bulk curing. | Mixing ratio, pot life, humidity, and component moisture can affect processing and cured properties. |
| Common Application Fit | Rigid encapsulation for components requiring strong mechanical protection and dimensional stability. | Flexible encapsulation for assemblies exposed to vibration, thermal cycling, or movement. | Protective encapsulation where a balance of flexibility, cushioning, and electrical insulation is desired. |
| Key Selection Checks | Check adhesion, cure shrinkage, exotherm, thermal cycling, repair requirements, and compatibility with component materials. | Check primer or adhesion needs, cure depth, outgassing or extractables where relevant, and compatibility with contacts and coatings. | Check moisture sensitivity, hydrolysis resistance, adhesion, mixing accuracy, and compatibility with component materials. |