Preface
Summer has arrived, and many customers will ask us a question:
"Will the silicone products melt if left in the car during summer?"
"Are silicone kitchenware safe to put in the oven?"
"Will the silicon products release harmful substances when it's hot?"
Today, we will use facts and data to clearly explain this matter of silicone's high-temperature resistance at one go.
How high can silica gel withstand?
The heat resistance of silica gel is indeed very remarkable. The main chain of its molecules is composed of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. This unique molecular structure endows silica gel with outstanding performance in withstanding both high and low temperatures.
Common silicone: The long-term temperature resistance range is between -50℃ and 200℃. Most of the silicone products used in daily life fall into this category.
Food-grade silicone: It can withstand temperatures ranging from -40℃ to 230℃ for a long time. Some high-quality models can reach a short-term peak temperature of 250℃. It complies with the national standard GB 4806.11-2024 for food-contact silicone, ensuring its safety.
High-temperature-resistant special silicone: It can withstand temperatures ranging from -50℃ to 300℃ for a long time, and even reach a peak of 380℃ in a short period. These products are mainly used in extreme environments such as aerospace and automotive engines.
In simple terms: The vast majority of silicone products on the market have a temperature resistance of over 200℃, which is sufficient to handle high-temperature situations in daily life.
Is it safe to use silicone in summer?
To sum up: For regular and qualified silicone products, using them in summer is safe.
Scene 1: Inside a vehicle in summer
The temperature inside a vehicle in summer is indeed very high, with actual measurements reaching above 60℃. However, even ordinary silicone has a temperature resistance of around 200℃, and 60℃ is still far from the limit of silicone's tolerance.
Therefore, products such as silicone phone cases, silicone cup covers, and silicone key covers will not melt or deform when placed in the car.
However, it should be noted that although it will not melt, prolonged exposure to the sun will accelerate the aging of the silicone. Ultraviolet rays will damage the molecular structure of the silicone, causing the material to age, change color, and even lose its performance. The dyes in colored silicone products are sensitive to ultraviolet rays, and prolonged exposure to the sun will cause the pigments to fade and turn yellow. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid allowing silicone products to be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
Scene 2: Kitchen Cooking
Silicone kitchenware (spatulas, baking molds, heat-resistant pads, etc.) are typical applications of food-grade silicone. The temperature range of these products is usually between -40℃ and 230℃.
When cooking, the temperature of the cooking pot is generally around 150-200℃, and for baking in an oven, it is usually between 180-220℃. Both of these temperatures are within the safe usage range of silicone. Compliant food-grade silicone remains stable at 200℃, with only silicon dioxide and water vapor as its decomposition products, which are safe and non-toxic.
However, it should be noted that silicone cannot come into direct contact with open flames. The temperature of open flames is usually above 800℃, which is far beyond the tolerance limit of silicone. Additionally, for silicone products used in ovens, they should be kept at a distance of 5-10cm from the heating element to avoid direct contact with the oven walls.
Scene 3: Daily Storage
Silicone products should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated environment. The ideal temperature range is 15-25℃. The indoor temperature in summer is usually around 30℃, but it has no effect on silicone products.
However, if the silicone products are stored in a high-temperature environment of 35℃ - 40℃ for a long time, their service life will significantly shorten.
Will silicone release harmful substances at high temperatures?
This is the issue that the customer is most concerned about.
The answer is: Regular food-grade silicone is safe at high temperatures.
Compliant food-grade silicone should comply with "National Food Safety Standard for Rubber Materials and Products for Food Contact" (GB 4806.11-2024). The core of ensuring safety lies in controlling the migration of low-molecular silicone oxides, heavy metals (lead, cadmium), and additives.
At normal usage temperatures of up to 250℃, food-grade silicone will not undergo chemical reactions to decompose colored substances. It remains stable within the range of 200℃, with the decomposition products being only silicon dioxide and water vapor, which are safe and non-toxic.
What needs to be guarded against is low-quality silicone. If recycled materials or non-food-grade additives are used during the production process, even if the silicone itself does not contain BPA, harmful substances may still be introduced. Therefore, the key is to choose compliant products from legitimate channels, rather than worrying about the safety of the silicone itself.
Hongxiangda's suggestion
The high-temperature resistance of silicone is scientifically proven. Qualified and genuine silicone products can safely withstand the high temperatures of summer - whether in the car, in the kitchen, or in daily use.
The key lies in two points: one is to select compliant products, and the other is to use and maintain them correctly.
The silicone products produced by Hongxiangda are all made from compliant raw materials and strictly follow national standards. Quality control is carried out at every step, from mixing the rubber to shaping. If you have any questions about the temperature resistance performance of the silicone products or their use in summer, please feel free to contact us at any time.
I'm the editor of Hongxiangda. If you have any questions about silicone products, feel free to contact me at any time.