When we use silicone rubber raw materials, we often hear the words curing agent and catalyst. Many people tend to confuse these two words. Here is an analysis of the role of curing agents and catalysts to help you understand the difference between the two.
1. Curing Agent
Curing agent is also called hardener or setter, which is a kind of substance or mixture that promotes or inhibits curing reaction.
In rtv-2 silicone rubber, the ratio of tin-cured silicone rubber to curing agent is usually 100:2~100:4. For platinum-cured silicone rubber, the ratio of part A to part B is 1:1 or 10:1.
2. Catalyst
A catalyst is a substance that changes the rate of chemical reaction (increases or decreases) of a reactant in a chemical reaction without changing the chemical equilibrium, and whose own quality and chemical properties do not change before or after the chemical reaction.
The catalyst will induce changes in the chemical reaction, and make the chemical reaction faster or carry out the chemical reaction in a lower temperature environment. Generally, the catalyst that accelerates the chemical reaction is called a positive catalyst, and the catalyst that slows the chemical reaction is called a negative catalyst (also called a retarder or inhibitor).
Difference: The catalyst will not change the structure of the substance itself, while the curing agent will change the structure of the substance.