Although both silicone leather and synthetic leather fall under the category of artificial leather, they differ fundamentally in their chemical basis, environmental friendliness, durability, and functional properties. The following systematically compares them from the perspectives of material composition, process characteristics, and application scenarios:
I. Material Nature and Chemical Structure Differences
Main Components: Inorganic siloxane polymer (Si-O-Si backbone), organic polymer (C-O-N chains of PU/C-Cl chains of PVC)
Crosslinking Method: Platinum-catalyzed addition cure (byproduct-free), solvent evaporation/isocyanate reaction (contains VOC residues)
Molecular Stability: Extremely weather-resistant (Si-O bond energy > 460 kJ/mol), while PU is susceptible to hydrolysis (ester bond energy < 360 kJ/mol)
Chemical Differences: Silicone's inorganic backbone imparts exceptional stability, while the organic chains of PU/PVC are susceptible to environmental corrosion. II. Key Differences in Production Processes
1. Silicone Leather Core Process
A [Silicone Oil + Filler Mixing] --> B [Platinum Catalyst Injection] --> C [Release Paper Carrier Coating]
C --> D [High-Temperature Curing (120-150°C)] --> E [Base Fabric Lamination (Knitted Fabric/Non-Woven Fabric)]
E --> F [Surface Embossing/Matting Treatment]
Solvent-Free Process: No small molecule release during the curing process (VOC ≈ 0)
Base Fabric Lamination Method: Hot Melt Adhesive Point Bonding (not PU Impregnation), Preserving Base Fabric Breathability
2. Shortcomings of Traditional Synthetic Leather Processes
- PU Leather: DMF Wet Impregnation → Microporous Structure but Residual Solvent (Requires Water Washing, Consuming 200 Tons/10,000 Meters)
- PVC Leather: Plasticizer Migration (3-5% Release Annually, Leading to Brittleness)
III. Performance Parameter Comparison (Measured Data)
1. Silicone Leather: Yellowing Resistance --- ΔE < 1.0 (QUV 1000 Hours)
Hydrolysis Resistance: No cracking at 100°C for 720 hours (ASTM D4704)
Flame Retardancy: UL94 V-0 (Self-Extinguishing Time < 3 seconds)
VOC Emissions: < 5 μg/m³ (ISO 16000-6)
Low-Temperature Flexibility: Bendable at 60°C (No cracking)
2. PU Synthetic Leather: Yellowing Resistance: ΔE > 8.0 (200 hours)
Hydrolysis Resistance: Cracking at 70°C for 96 hours (ASTM D2097)
Flame Retardancy: UL94 HB (Slow Burning)
VOC Emissions: > 300 μg/m³ (Contains DMF/Toluene)
Low-Temperature Flexibility: Brittle at -20°C
3. PVC Synthetic Leather: Yellowing Resistance: ΔE > 15.0 (100 hours)
Hydrolysis Resistance: Not applicable (Not relevant for testing)
Flame Retardancy: UL94 V-2 (Dripping Ignition)
VOC Emissions: >> 500 μg/m³ (including DOP)
Low-Temperature Flexibility: Cures at 10°C
IV. Environmental and Safety Features
1. Silicone Leather:
Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 medical-grade certified (implant standard)
Recyclability: Silicone oil recovered via thermal cracking (recovery rate >85%)
Toxic Substances: Heavy metal-free/halogen-free
2. Synthetic Leather
Biocompatibility: Skin irritation risk (contains free isocyanates)
Recyclability: Landfill disposal (no degradation within 500 years)
Toxic Substances: PVC contains lead salt stabilizer, PU contains DMF
Circular Economy Performance: Silicone leather can be physically stripped from the base fabric to the silicone layer for re-granulation. PU/PVC leather can only be downgraded and recycled due to chemical cross-linking. V. Application Scenarios
Silicone Leather Advantages
- Healthcare:
- Antibacterial mattresses (MRSA inhibition rate >99.9%, compliant with JIS L1902)
- Antistatic surgical table covers (surface resistivity 10⁶-10⁹ Ω)
- New Energy Vehicles:
- Weather-resistant seats (-40°C to 180°C operating temperature)
- Low-VOC interiors (meets Volkswagen PV3938 standard)
- Outdoor Equipment:
- UV-resistant boat seats (QUV 3000-hour ΔE <2)
- Self-cleaning tents (water contact angle 110°)
Synthetic Leather Applications
- Short-term Use:
- Fast fashion bags (PU leather is lightweight and low-cost)
- Disposable display veneers (PVC leather price <$5/m²)
- Non-contact Applications:
- Non-load-bearing furniture parts (e.g., drawer fronts) VI. Cost and Lifespan Comparison
1. Silicone Leather: Raw Material Cost --- $15-25/m² (Silicone Oil Purity > 99%)
Process Energy Consumption -- Low (Fast Curing, No Water Washing Required)
Service Life -- > 15 Years (Outdoor Accelerated Weathering Verified)
Maintenance Cost -- Direct Wipe with Alcohol (No Damage)
2. Silicone Leather: Raw Material Cost --- $8-12/m²
Process Energy Consumption -- High (Wet-processing line consumes 2000kWh/10,000 meters)
Service Life -- > 3-5 Years (Hydrolysis and Pulverization)
Maintenance Cost -- Requires Specialized Cleaners
TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): Silicone leather costs 40% less than PU leather over a 10-year cycle (including replacement and cleaning costs). VII. Future Upgrade Directions
- Silicone Leather:
- Nanosilane Modification → Lotus Leaf-like Superhydrophobicity (Contact Angle > 160°)
- Emb
Post time: Jul-30-2025
