Types of Rubber
Selecting the appropriate rubber type is critical for achieving optimal performance and durability in your product. This guide provides detailed information about the rubber materials we offer, helping you choose the best fit for your specific application. Below, you'll find a breakdown of each rubber type, its properties, advantages, limitations, and common applications.
Rubber Compositions
Natural Rubber (Cis-Polyisoprene)
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Neoprene (Polychloroprene)
Silicone Rubber
Fluoroelastomers (FKM)
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Polyurethane (PU)
Viton
Natural Rubber (Cis-Polyisoprene)
Natural Rubber (NR), also known as "India rubber," is a visco-elastic material derived from the latex of certain plants and trees. It offers excellent flexibility and high tensile strength.
Properties:
Long flex life with superior elasticity.
High tensile strength.
Poor resistance to heat, oil, and ozone.
General waterproofing capability.
Common Applications:
Conveyor belts.
Shock mounts.
Adhesives and sealants.
Advantages:
Exceptional flexibility and stretchability.
Cost-effective for general-purpose use.
Limitations:
Susceptible to weathering and degradation from environmental exposure.
Limited resistance to oils and chemicals.
Natural Rubber – CisPolyisoprene
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
NBR is a family of synthetic rubbers with excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents, making it ideal for industrial applications.
Properties:
Resistant to oils, fuels, and solvents.
Moderate resistance to heat and aging.
Variable flexibility depending on nitrile content.
Common Applications:
Seals and gaskets.
Fuel hoses.
Industrial gloves.
Advantages:
Excellent oil and chemical resistance.
Durable in a wide range of temperatures.
Limitations:
Reduced flexibility with higher nitrile content.
Poor resistance to ozone and weathering.
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber – NBR
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to heat, weather, and ozone, making it a popular choice in outdoor applications.
Properties:
Outstanding resistance to weather, ozone, and UV light.
Compatible with hot and cold water, steam, and polar substances.
Poor compatibility with most oils and hydrocarbons.
Temperature range: -40°C to +150°C (-40°F to +302°F).
Common Applications:
Automotive weatherstripping.
Roofing membranes.
Electrical insulation.
Advantages:
Excellent durability in harsh weather conditions.
Good aging and oxidation resistance.
Limitations:
Unsuitable for applications involving hydrocarbons or concentrated acids.
EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
Neoprene (Polychloroprene)
Neoprene is a versatile synthetic rubber with high tensile strength and resilience. It is resistant to oils, flames, oxygen, and ozone.
Properties:
Flame resistance.
High tensile strength and resilience.
Good weather and ozone resistance.
Common Applications:
Industrial belts and hoses.
Protective gear.
Seals and gaskets.
Advantages:
General-purpose rubber with a wide range of applications.
Good resistance to environmental factors.
Limitations:
Limited compatibility with certain hydrocarbons and chemicals.
Neoprene – Polychloroprene
Silicone Rubber
Silicone Rubber is a stable, synthetic elastomer ideal for extreme temperatures and diverse applications.
Properties:
Temperature range: –55°C to +300°C (–67°F to +572°F).
Excellent resistance to extreme environments.
Non-reactive and biocompatible.
Common Applications:
Medical-grade products.
Food service equipment.
Automotive and aerospace components.
Advantages:
Retains properties across a wide temperature range.
Easily molded and shaped for specific uses.
Limitations:
Higher cost compared to other rubbers.
Lower tensile strength.
Silicone Rubber
Fluoroelastomer (FKM)
FKM is a family of synthetic rubbers known for superior chemical and heat resistance.
Properties:
Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons.
Superior heat resistance.
Varies by chemical composition and fluorine content.
Common Applications:
O-rings.
Tubes and hoses.
High-performance seals.
Advantages:
Outstanding chemical resistance.
Performs well in high-temperature environments.
Limitations:
Higher cost.
Limited compatibility with ketones and organic acids.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
SBR is a synthetic rubber with good abrasion resistance and aging stability.
Properties:
Good abrasion resistance.
Stable aging when protected by additives.
Variable elasticity based on styrene content.
Common Applications:
Conveyor belts.
Tires.
Footwear soles.
Advantages:
Cost-effective for general use.
Durable in wear-intensive applications.
Limitations:
Limited weather and ozone resistance.
Styrene-Butadiene
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane combines the best properties of rubber and plastic, making it highly versatile.
Properties:
Excellent tear resistance and elasticity.
Extreme temperature resistance.
Resistant to oils and fuels.
Common Applications:
Gaskets.
Bushings.
Industrial rollers.
Advantages:
High resilience and durability.
Performs well under extreme conditions.
Limitations:
More expensive than natural rubber.
Susceptible to UV degradation without additives.
Polyurethane
Viton
Viton is a branded fluoropolymer elastomer with exceptional fuel and oil resistance.
Properties:
Extreme temperature resistance.
Fuel and oil resistant.
Limited compatibility with ketones and organic acids.
Common Applications:
Tubes and hoses.
Automotive seals.
Biodiesel-resistant components.
Advantages:
Reliable under harsh chemical and temperature conditions.
Long-lasting performance.
Limitations:
Higher cost compared to other materials.
Types of Rubbers
Selecting the appropriate rubber type is critical for achieving optimal performance and durability in your product.
Natural Rubber:
Natural Rubber (NR), also known as "India rubber," is a visco-elastic material derived from the latex of certain plants and trees. It offers excellent flexibility and high tensile strength.
-
Long flex life with superior elasticity.
High tensile strength.
Poor resistance to heat, oil, and ozone.
General waterproofing capability.
-
Exceptional flexibility and stretchability.
Cost-effective for general-purpose use.
-
Susceptible to weathering and degradation from environmental exposure.
Limited resistance to oils and chemicals.
-
Conveyor belts.
Shock mounts.
Adhesives and sealants.
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber:
NBR is a family of synthetic rubbers with excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents, making it ideal for industrial applications.
-
Long flex life with superior elasticity.
High tensile strength.
Poor resistance to heat, oil, and ozone.
General waterproofing capability.
-
Exceptional flexibility and stretchability.
Cost-effective for general-purpose use.
-
Susceptible to weathering and degradation from environmental exposure.
Limited resistance to oils and chemicals.
-
Conveyor belts.
Shock mounts.
Adhesives and sealants.
EPDM :
EPDM is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to heat, weather, and ozone, making it a popular choice in outdoor applications.
-
Long flex life with superior elasticity.
High tensile strength.
Poor resistance to heat, oil, and ozone.
General waterproofing capability.
-
Exceptional flexibility and stretchability.
Cost-effective for general-purpose use.
-
Susceptible to weathering and degradation from environmental exposure.
Limited resistance to oils and chemicals.
-
Conveyor belts.
Shock mounts.
Adhesives and sealants.