【Popular Science Tips on Polymers and Materials】--41 Choosing the Material for Baby Pacifiers + People Watching the Sea

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Most pacifiers are made of latex derived from natural rubber; some are also made of silicone, although silicone is more expensive. In terms of raw materials, they can be divided into silicone pacifiers (transparent in appearance) and rubber pacifiers (yellow in color, with a sulfur content that can easily exceed safe levels). Silicone pacifiers are further divided into solid silicone pacifiers and liquid silicone pacifiers; liquid silicone pacifiers are more transparent and softer than solid silicone ones, and they are currently the most commonly used material for pacifiers. The difference is that pacifiers made of natural rubber (latex) are more durable, as they are strong and not easily bitten through. Silicone is characterized by being safer, non-toxic, odorless, and having high transparency. Latex pacifiers are made of natural latex. Natural latex is a highly elastic and soft material, and these properties are very important for manufacturing safe pacifiers. The following points are particularly noteworthy: natural latex has excellent elasticity, it easily returns to its original shape, it can resist stretching forces, it is highly elastic, and it is also harmless to the environment. Due to its natural latex composition, it may have a slight rubbery smell, has a short shelf life, and tends to age easily. It requires even more careful storage, avoiding direct sunlight and being kept in a cool, dry place. Latex pacifiers are usually yellow. Silicone pacifiers are made of high-quality plastic. It can withstand temperature changes, is resistant to boiling, has a smooth surface, is transparent, and is tasteless. These are all important features of silicone pacifiers. However, some safety issues need to be considered when using silicone pacifiers. For example, silicone is less elastic than latex, and it can easily tear once there is damage to its surface. Silicone is relatively fragile; if it is used frequently, one should carefully check for any damage on its surface. Silicone pacifiers should be replaced immediately if they show any signs of aging, such as dark streaks, scratches, tooth marks, or small holes. Silicone pacifiers are usually colorless and transparent.