Comprehensive Guide to Rubber Material Properties and Applications

Table of Contents

Comprehensive Guide to Rubber Material Properties and Applications
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Material Properties of Rubber
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Understanding the unique characteristics of various rubber materials is crucial for selecting the right compound for your application. Below is an overview of the most commonly used rubber types, their properties, and recommended service temperature ranges.

Fluorocarbon (FKM)
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Fluorocarbon (FKM) is recognized as a high-performance rubber, offering exceptional resistance to high temperatures, ozone, weathering, oxygen, mineral oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, aromatics, and a wide range of organic solvents and chemicals. Sanhao Rubber provides compounds based on the Viton® system, including:

General type (A-TYPE, 66% fluorine)
Medium fluorine content (B-, GBL-TYPE, 67~68.5% fluorine)
High fluorine content (F-, GF-TYPE, 70% fluorine)
Improved low temperature flexibility (GLT-, GFLT)
Enhanced chemical and solvent resistance (Viton® ETP Extreme)

Working Temperature:

Static applications: -26℃ (-15℉) to 232℃ (450℉); short-term up to 275℃
Dynamic applications: -15℃ to 200℃

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)
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Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR), also known as Highly Saturated Nitrile (HSN), is produced by hydrogenating the hydrocarbon chains of Nitrile rubber. This process significantly reduces double bonds, resulting in superior heat, ozone, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties compared to standard Nitriles.

Service Temperature:

-40℃ to 150℃ (up to 160℃ for special compounds)

Natural Rubber (NR)
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Natural Rubber (NR) is derived from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, with polyisoprene as its main polymer. It can also be synthesized from isoprene monomer. Natural rubber is known for its high resilience, strength, and abrasion resistance. However, it has poor resistance to hydrocarbon oils, UV, oxygen, and ozone due to the double bonds in its backbone. Weathering resistance can be improved with special additives.

Service Temperature:

-50℃ to 70℃ (up to 100℃ for short periods)

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
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Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR), also known as Buna N or Nitrile Rubber, is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. The acrylonitrile content (18% to 50%) affects oil and fuel resistance, elasticity, and low-temperature performance. Higher acrylonitrile improves oil resistance but reduces flexibility. NBR offers good mechanical properties and high wear resistance but is not resistant to weathering and ozone. Blends with PVC can enhance weathering and ozone resistance.

Working Temperature:

-55℃ to 100℃ (up to 125℃ depending on formulation; above 100℃ may reduce lifespan)

Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPM, EPDM)
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Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPM, EPDM) includes EPM (ethylene-propylene copolymer) and EPDM (terpolymer with a third monomer for sulfur vulcanization). These rubbers offer excellent resistance to ozone, sunlight, and weathering, as well as good low-temperature flexibility, chemical resistance (to dilute acids, alkalis, polar solvents), and electrical insulation.

Service Temperature:

-55℃ to 125℃ (up to 150℃ for peroxide-cured systems)

Polyurethane (AU, EU)
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Polyurethane (AU, EU) rubbers are available as polyester urethane (AU) and polyether urethane (EU). AU types provide outstanding oil, fuel, and solvent resistance but are susceptible to hydrolysis. EU types resist hydrolysis and offer oil and fuel resistance similar to low ACN nitriles or HNBRs. All polyurethane types exhibit excellent wear resistance, high tensile strength, and elasticity.

Service Temperature:

-40℃ to 80℃ (up to 100℃ with reduced lifespan)

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
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Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is the most widely used synthetic rubber, primarily in tire manufacturing. SBR is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene and is typically reinforced with carbon black for strength and abrasion resistance. Its drawbacks include poor oil resistance and limited weathering, UV, oxygen, and ozone resistance.

Service Temperature:

-55℃ to 100℃

Chloroprene Rubber (CR)
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Chloroprene Rubber (CR), developed in 1931, is produced by emulsion polymerization of chloroprene. CR is a versatile elastomer with a balanced set of properties, including good resistance to sunlight, ozone, weather, oils, and many chemicals. It also offers notable physical toughness and fire resistance.

Service Temperature:

-40℃ to 100℃ (up to 125℃ for certain grades; above 100℃ may reduce lifespan)

Silicone Rubber (Q, MQ, VMQ, PVMQ)
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Silicone Rubber (Q, MQ, VMQ, PVMQ) is based on silicon derived from quartz, with various organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. The addition of different side chains allows for a wide range of properties. Silicones are known for excellent heat, ozone, and corona resistance, dielectric stability, and resistance to many oils, chemicals, and solvents. They also offer superior flexibility at low temperatures but have lower tensile strength and poor tear and wear resistance.

Service Temperature:

-60℃ to 225℃ (special types can operate up to 300℃ and down to -100℃)

Additional Resources
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For further information or to discuss your specific requirements, please contact us.