ABS vs Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
ABS vs Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — the most widely used amorphous engineering/commodity thermoplastic. Excellent balance of toughness, rigidity, and processability. Good surface finish and paintability. Not UV-stable without additives. Trade names include Novodur (INEOS Styrolution), Terluran (INEOS), Cycolac (SABIC). Used for automotive interior trim, appliance housings (vacuum cleaners, monitors), LEGO bricks, 3D printing filament, and pipe fittings.
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
Silicone rubber (VMQ = Vinyl Methyl Polysiloxane) — THE extreme-temperature elastomer. Usable from -60°C to +230°C continuous (short-term +300°C). Excellent UV/ozone/weathering resistance. Biocompatible (FDA, USP Class VI). Low compression set. Electrically insulating. Lower tensile/tear strength than organic rubbers. Used for seals/gaskets, medical tubing/implants, food-grade components, baby products, automotive ignition boots, and LED/lighting encapsulation.
| ABS | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 37 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | ABS | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile | 15–35% | — | — |
| Butadiene | 5–30% | — | — |
| Styrene | 40–60% | — | — |
| Polysiloxane Base (Methyl/Vinyl) | — | 60–80% | — |
| Silica Filler (Reinforcement) |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | ABS | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 38–50 | 6–12 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–48 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 10–30 | 200–600 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched) | |||
| Density | |||
| HDT/B (0.45 MPa) | |||
| Vicat Softening Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| hardness_shore_a | |||
| continuous_service_temp |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
ABS and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABS the same as Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
ABS and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ABS with Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ABS and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. ABS is a Polymers grade, while Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.