The silicone products have a slight odor when they are newly manufactured, which is a relatively common phenomenon.
The reason is simple: During the molding process of silicone, it needs to undergo high-temperature vulcanization, and some trace small molecules in the raw materials will volatilize at high temperatures. When the products are freshly made, these volatiles have not completely dissipated, and thus they will carry some odor.
In most cases, this odor is normal, and it will significantly diminish or even disappear after being placed in an open environment for a few days.
Which odors are normal?
1. A slight rubbery smell
Silicone is a rubber-like material, and having a faint rubber smell is normal. This smell is usually not pungent and smells like new tires or a new eraser, but it is much lighter.
2. A slight sour smell
Some silicone products use peroxide vulcanizing agents during the vulcanization process, and the residual trace by-products may have a little sour smell. This smell is usually relatively mild and disappears quickly after ventilation.
3. Odor from packaging
After being stored in sealed packaging for a period of time, the volatile substances accumulate in the packaging when the product is taken out. The odor will be more obvious when opening. After ventilation, the odor will quickly diminish.
Does the presence of odor have any impact on the body?
This is the most concerned issue by customers.
In normal circumstances, the slight odor does not have any impact on the body. Silicone is a chemically inert material and is non-toxic and odorless. The trace volatile substances will quickly disperse under ventilation conditions and will not cause harm to the body.
However, if the odor is pungent and persists, it is necessary to be cautious. This may indicate that there are problems with the raw materials or the process, and the product may have excessive volatile substances. In such cases, it is recommended not to use it in scenarios where it comes into contact with food or the human body, and to contact the factory for handling.
How to prevent buying silicone products with a strong odor?
1. Don't just look at the price
Very cheap silicone products usually have a low raw material cost and may use inferior raw materials or excessive vulcanizing agents, resulting in a strong odor naturally.
2. Ask about the material grade
Food-grade and medical-grade silicas have strict restrictions on volatile substances, and the odor is usually smaller. Ordinary industrial-grade silicas may have a larger odor.
3. Ask about the vulcanization process
Platinum vulcanization is more pure than peroxide vulcanization, with less residue and a smaller odor. Maternity and medical products should use platinum vulcanization.
4. Get samples first
Before placing a large order, get several samples first. After receiving them, place them in a ventilated area for a few days and smell to see if the odor is normal. If the sample odor is large, the large batch is likely to be the same.
What should the factory do?
As a silicone product factory, we mainly do the following things to control the odor:
1. Raw material control
Select reputable brand silicone raw materials to control the volatile substance content from the source. Do not use cheap materials of unknown origin.
2. Vulcanization control
Carry out vulcanization at the required temperature and time according to the process requirements to ensure complete vulcanization. Products with incomplete vulcanization will have a significantly larger odor.
3. Secondary vulcanization
For products with high odor requirements, we will do secondary vulcanization - baking at a temperature of around 150°C for 1-2 hours to further volatilize the residual small molecules. This step can significantly reduce the odor of the finished product.
4. Ventilation storage
After the product is molded, do not package immediately. Place it in a ventilation area for a period of time to allow the odor to naturally disperse before shipping.
One last thing to say
Silicone products usually have a slight odor, which is mostly normal. Venting for a few days and washing with warm water will generally solve the problem.
However, if the odor is strong and persists, it is not a "normal phenomenon" but a quality issue. In such cases, do not force the use and contact the factory promptly for resolution.
At Hongxianda, we have clear standards for odor control: raw materials are only selected from reputable brands, the vulcanization process is strictly controlled, and products with high odor requirements undergo secondary vulcanization. Before the products leave the factory, we also conduct odor assessment to ensure that the "strong smell" does not cause any trouble for the customers.
If you are troubled by the odor problem of silicone products or want to find a factory with guaranteed odor control, please come to Hongxianda to have a chat.