Food-grade silicone and platinum-grade silicone are both types of silicone rubber that are considered safe for use in contact with food. However, there are some differences between them:
- Certification and Standards: Food-grade silicone typically refers to silicone that has been deemed safe for food contact by regulatory bodies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States or similar agencies in other countries. It meets certain standards for purity and safety. On the other hand, platinum-grade silicone refers to silicone that has been manufactured using a platinum catalyst curing process. This process typically produces silicone with higher purity and fewer impurities compared to other curing processes.
- Curing Process: Food-grade silicone may be cured using different methods, such as peroxide curing or addition curing. Platinum-grade silicone, as mentioned, is cured using a platinum catalyst curing process, which generally results in higher quality silicone with better heat resistance, stability, and durability.
- Performance: Platinum-grade silicone tends to have better heat resistance, stability, and durability compared to food-grade silicone cured using other methods. It may also have a higher level of purity and fewer impurities, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
- Cost: Platinum-grade silicone typically costs more than food-grade silicone due to the additional processing steps involved in its production and the higher quality of the final product.
In summary, while both food-grade silicone and platinum-grade silicone are safe for food contact, platinum-grade silicone is often preferred for applications where higher performance and purity are required, such as in medical devices, cooking utensils, and molds for baking or candy making. However, for many consumer products, food-grade silicone may be sufficient and more cost-effective.