2024-02-23

How to Choose Rubber Material?

Basic Properties of Rubber

Rubber is a material with excellent elasticity and durability, capable of withstanding high pressure, high temperatures, and various chemical substances. These properties make rubber an ideal choice for automotive, aviation, medical equipment, and many products in daily life. Due to its unique properties, rubber plays a significant role in various industries. In the automotive industry, rubber is used to manufacture seals and shock absorbers. In the medical field, it is used to make catheters and various medical instruments. Additionally, rubber is widely applied in construction, aviation, and electronics, among other industries.

Choosing the Right Rubber Material

Selecting the appropriate rubber material is crucial for ensuring product performance and lifespan. This requires considering the conditions of the application environment, such as temperature, pressure, and exposure to chemicals. Different types of rubber, such as natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, have varying properties.

Natural Rubber (NR)
Natural rubber, derived from the latex of rubber trees, is polyisoprene with excellent elasticity, tear resistance, and wear resistance.

Features:

  1. Exceptional elasticity and elongation: NR can significantly stretch under tension and return to its original shape once the load is removed.
  2. Excellent tear resistance: Shows good resistance when subjected to cutting or tearing by sharp objects.
  3. Good shock absorption: Effectively absorbs and disperses vibrations, commonly used in anti-vibration applications.
  4. Environmentally friendly: As a natural material, NR is renewable and biodegradable under proper conditions.
  5. Low-temperature flexibility: Remains soft and does not harden or become brittle in cold environments.

Applications:

  1. Tire manufacturing: Particularly suitable for high-performance and heavy-duty tires, such as aircraft tires and truck tires.
  2. Medical supplies: Such as surgical gloves, condoms, and various tubes due to its good biocompatibility.
  3. Elastic products: Such as rubber bands, balloons, and bouncy balls.
  4. Shock absorption products: Such as bridge bearings, building isolation systems, and mechanical vibration dampers and feet.
  5. Shoe sole manufacturing: Especially for sports shoes and work boots requiring good grip and wear resistance.

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
Nitrile Rubber (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, NBR) is a synthetic rubber made from the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene monomers, endowed with many excellent physical and chemical properties by its structure. NBR is extensively used in various fields, especially in environments requiring oil and chemical resistance.

Features:

  1. High oil resistance: NBR's chemical structure provides excellent resistance to oils, fats, fuels, and various chemicals, making it the ideal choice for manufacturing oil seals and various oil-resistant products.
  2. Wear resistance and tear resistance: NBR exhibits excellent wear and tear resistance, crucial for industrial applications frequently encountering abrasion and pulling.
  3. Heat resistance: NBR can maintain stable physical properties within a temperature range of -40°C to 120°C, suitable for use in high-temperature environments.
  4. Chemical resistance: Besides oil resistance, NBR also resists various chemicals, including some acids, alkalis, and solvents.
  5. Good mechanical properties: NBR has good resistance to compression set and elasticity, maintaining good sealing performance under dynamic and static conditions.

Applications:

  1. Oil seals and O-rings: NBR's high oil resistance makes it the preferred material for manufacturing various oil seals, O-rings, and other sealing components, commonly used in automobiles, machinery, and industrial equipment to prevent the leakage of oils and other chemicals.
  2. Oil hoses and tubes: In automobiles and industrial machinery, NBR is used to manufacture oil-resistant hoses and tubes for transmitting fuels, lubricants, and other chemicals.
  3. Industrial gloves: Gloves made of NBR provide good chemical protection and physical durability, especially when handling greases, chemicals, and other harmful substances.
  4. Rollers and drums in printing and textile machinery: Due to its wear resistance and chemical resistance, NBR is used to manufacture components in machinery that come into contact with inks, dyes, and other chemicals.
  5. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) has become an indispensable material in many industrial sectors due to its unique oil resistance and excellent physical properties, excelling in applications requiring oil, chemical, and wear resistance.

Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM)
Fluorocarbon rubber is a synthetic rubber containing fluorine atoms, characterized by outstanding heat resistance, oil resistance, and chemical resistance.

Features:

  1. High heat resistance: FKM can operate long-term within a temperature range of 200°C to 250°C.
  2. Excellent chemical resistance: Resists oils, fuels, most acids, and solvents exceptionally well.
  3. Aging resistance and weather resistance: Resists the effects of ultraviolet light, ozone, and climate changes.
  4. Good mechanical properties: Including high strength and good elasticity.
  5. Wear resistance: Performs well in high-friction applications.

Applications:

  1. High-performance seals and O-rings: Used in aviation, automotive, and chemical industries in high-temperature, high-pressure environments.
  2. Automotive industry: Engine oil seals, fuel system hoses, and exhaust system components.
  3. Chemical industry: Manufacturing corrosion-resistant hoses, valves, and seals.
  4. Aviation and aerospace: Used in aircraft and spacecraft fuel and hydraulic systems.
  5. Power industry: As insulation material for high-voltage switches and transformers.

Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)
Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber, obtained by partial or complete hydrogenation of Nitrile Rubber (NBR), exhibits higher temperature, oil, and chemical resistance.

Features:

  1. High oil resistance: HNBR significantly improves oil resistance compared to NBR, suitable for applications involving oil contact.
  2. Enhanced heat resistance: Capable of operating at higher temperatures, typically up to 150°C or higher.
  3. Superior chemical resistance: Better resistance to a variety of chemicals, acids, and alkalis.
  4. High strength and wear resistance: Provides better mechanical properties, including tear resistance and wear resistance.
  5. Aging resistance: Resists the effects of ozone, oxygen, and other environmental factors.

Applications:

  1. Automotive industry: Manufacturing high-temperature and oil-resistant seals, hoses, and belts, especially suitable for engines and transmissions.
  2. Oilfield equipment: Used to manufacture seals and hoses resistant to extreme conditions, such as drilling and extraction equipment.
  3. Chemical processing: Manufacturing chemical-resistant pump and valve seals.
  4. Food and pharmaceutical industries: Suitable for manufacturing some special seals and hoses due to its high cleanliness and chemical resistance.
  5. Heavy industry: Used to manufacture industrial belts and pads that must withstand high pressures and harsh conditions.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a synthetic rubber made from the copolymerization of ethylene, propylene, and a small amount of a non-conjugated diene monomer, known for its excellent weather resistance and chemical resistance.

Features:

  1. Exceptional weather resistance: EPDM resists ultraviolet light, ozone, and extreme climatic conditions excellently.
  2. Heat resistance: Capable of long-term use within a temperature range of -50°C to 150°C.
  3. Resistance to water and steam: Good tolerance to hot water and steam, suitable for humid environments.
  4. Chemical resistance: Good resistance to many acids, alkalis, and salt solutions.
  5. Electrical insulation: Possesses good electrical insulating properties, suitable for electrical applications.

Applications:

  1. Roofing membranes and waterproofing materials: Used in the construction industry, providing long-term waterproof protection.
  2. Automotive seals and hoses: Used for automotive door and window seals and cooling system hoses.
  3. Cable insulation: As the outer insulation material for power and communication cables.
  4. Garden hoses: Suitable for outdoor watering due to its weather resistance and flexibility.
  5. Shock absorption products: Such as earthquake protection systems and mechanical equipment vibration dampers.

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber made from the copolymerization of butadiene and styrene monomers, serving as an economical and effective alternative to natural rubber.

Features:

  1. Good wear resistance and aging resistance: SBR resists wear and cracking during the aging process.
  2. Moderate heat resistance: Suitable for use in environments where temperatures are not exceptionally high.
  3. Excellent mechanical strength: Possesses good tensile strength and tear resistance.
  4. Good processability: Easily processed into products of various shapes and sizes.

Applications:

  1. Automotive tires: Especially for non-high-performance passenger car tires.
  2. Industrial belts and hoses: Used for transporting water, air, and light chemicals.
  3. Shoe soles: Manufacturing soles for sports shoes and casual footwear.
  4. Shock absorption pads: Used in mechanical equipment for vibration damping and sound insulation.
  5. Synthetic rubber products: Such as balls, toys, and various molded items.

Silicone Rubber (SI)
Silicone rubber is a synthetic rubber with a main chain structure of silicon and oxygen, known for its excellent high and low-temperature performance and biocompatibility.

Features:

  1. Resistance to extreme temperature changes: Operable within a wide temperature range of -55°C to +200°C, and even broader.
  2. Excellent biocompatibility: Does not adversely react with human tissues and fluids, suitable for medical applications.
  3. Aging resistance: Resists the effects of oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet light.
  4. Chemical resistance: Good tolerance to most water-based chemicals, acids, and alkalis.
  5. Insulation properties: Possesses good electrical insulating properties, suitable for electronic and electrical applications.

Applications:

  1. Medical devices: Components for catheters, artificial organs, and surgical tools.
  2. Kitchenware: Such as baking molds, silicone pot holders, and silicone brushes, due to their high-temperature resistance and ease of cleaning.
  3. Electronic products: Such as mobile phone cases, keyboards, and waterproof seals.
  4. Baby products: Such as pacifiers and teething rings, due to their safety, non-toxicity, and softness.
  5. Automotive parts: Such as spark plug boots and various seals, utilizing their high-temperature and weather resistance properties

Fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ)
Fluorosilicone rubber combines the chemical resistance of fluorocarbon rubber with the high and low-temperature resistance of silicone rubber, suitable for applications under extreme conditions.

Features:

  1. Exceptional temperature resistance: Operable within a broad temperature range of -60°C to +225°C.
  2. High chemical resistance: Good resistance to oils, solvents, and most acids and alkalis.
  3. Aging, ozone, and weather resistance: Maintains stable performance even after long-term outdoor exposure.
  4. Good insulation properties: Suitable for electrical and electronic applications.
  5. Excellent elasticity: Maintains good flexibility even at extremely low temperatures.

Applications:

  1. Aviation and aerospace: Manufacturing seals, hoses, and insulation materials for aircraft and spacecraft.
  2. Automotive industry: Used in high-performance vehicle engine and exhaust system seals.
  3. Chemical processing: Manufacturing hoses and valve seals resistant to extreme chemical conditions.
  4. Electronic equipment: As protective layers for wires and cables, as well as sealing materials for electronic components.
  5. Food and medical: Suitable for food processing and medical devices due to its non-toxicity and high-temperature resistance.

Chloroprene Rubber (CR)
Chloroprene Rubber (Neoprene) is a synthetic rubber obtained by the polymerization of chloroprene monomers, characterized by good physical and mechanical properties and chemical stability.

Features:

  1. Weather resistance: CR resists the effects of sunlight, ozone, and climate changes.
  2. Heat resistance: Maintains stable performance within a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C.
  3. Fire resistance: Exhibits self-extinguishing properties, not easily flammable.
  4. Chemical resistance: Good tolerance to non-polar solvents, oils, and fats.
  5. Good mechanical properties: Including tensile strength, compression resistance, and tear resistance.

Applications:

  1. Seals and gaskets: Used in automotive, construction, and electrical industries to prevent the penetration of gases and liquids.
  2. Wire and cable insulation: Serving as the sheath for wires and cables, providing insulation and protection.
  3. Wetsuits and protective clothing: Widely used due to its waterproof and insulating properties.
  4. Vibration damping parts: Such as bridge bearings, mechanical vibration dampers, and automotive shock absorption parts.
  5. Conveyor belts and hoses: Used in industrial and agricultural machinery for material and fluid transportation.

Polyurethane Rubber (PU)
Polyurethane Rubber (PU) is a versatile synthetic rubber material, formed by the reaction of polyisocyanates and polyols. Its unique chemical structure endows PU with many superior properties, making it widely used in automotive, construction, textile, and medical fields, among others.

Features:

  1. High wear resistance: PU exhibits excellent wear resistance, maintaining its performance even under high load and abrasive conditions, making it an ideal material for rollers, tires, and other components.
  2. Outstanding mechanical strength: Includes high tear and tensile strength, allowing PU to withstand heavy loads and high stress conditions.
  3. Exceptional elasticity: Maintains good elasticity even at very low temperatures, important for applications requiring flexibility.
  4. Oil and chemical resistance: PU resists oils, solvents, and certain chemicals, suitable for chemical handling and transportation.

Applications:

  1. Industrial rollers and tires: Due to its excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength, PU is widely used in manufacturing industrial rollers, conveyor belt tires, and small wheels.
  2. Sports and leisure products: Such as sports shoe soles, skateboard wheels, ski boot liners, and other sports equipment, chosen for its impact resistance and elasticity.
  3. Automotive parts: Such as suspension system bushings, seals, and interior components, utilizing its wear resistance and oil resistance.

Butyl Rubber (IIR)

Features:

  1. Exceptional air tightness: Butyl rubber's molecular structure provides excellent gas barrier properties, especially against oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  2. Chemical resistance: Good resistance to various acids, alkalis, and other chemicals, performing well in chemical processing or exposure environments.
  3. Heat resistance: Stable at relatively high temperatures, typically operable within a range of -40°C to +130°C.
  4. Low permeability: Extremely low permeability to gases and liquids, suitable as a sealing material.
  5. Good vibration damping: Absorbs and disperses vibrations, providing effective shock absorption.

Applications:

  1. Inner tubes: Due to its excellent air tightness, butyl rubber is the preferred material for manufacturing inner tubes for cars, bicycles, and special-purpose tires.
  2. Sealing materials: Used in automotive, aviation, and construction industries to manufacture various seals, such as window and door seals, as well as gaskets and sealing rings in chemical processing equipment.
  3. Protective clothing: Its chemical resistance makes butyl rubber an ideal material for manufacturing chemical protective clothing and gloves, protecting users from harmful chemicals.
  4. Vibration damping parts: Used in bridge construction, buildings, machinery, and automotive industries as damping parts to reduce vibration and noise.
  5. Medical supplies and pharmaceutical packaging: Due to its high gas barrier properties and low permeability, butyl rubber is used to manufacture blood bags, pharmaceutical bottle stoppers, and other medical-grade packaging materials.
  6. Adhesives and tapes: Its unique stickiness makes butyl rubber an ideal base material for manufacturing various adhesives and tapes, especially those requiring waterproof or air-tight properties.

Acrylic Rubber (ACM)
Acrylic rubber, also known as polyacrylate rubber, is a synthetic rubber made by copolymerizing acrylate monomers. ACM is valued for its excellent oil resistance and high-temperature performance.

Features:

  1. High oil resistance: ACM exhibits outstanding resistance to gasoline, lubricating oils, and other petroleum products, suitable for oil contact environments.
  2. Excellent heat resistance: Capable of long-term operation within a temperature range of -25°C to +175°C, and can withstand higher temperatures for short periods.
  3. Good oxidation resistance: ACM resists oxygen and ozone well, suitable for long-term outdoor use.
  4. Weather and aging resistance: Withstands long-term outdoor exposure without significant degradation.
  5. Moderate mechanical properties: Including tensile and tear strength, suitable for general mechanical applications.

Applications:

  1. Automotive seals: Such as oil seals, O-rings, and hoses used in engine and transmission systems.
  2. Industrial hoses: Manufacturing oil and heat-resistant industrial hoses for chemical and fuel transportation.
  3. Automotive parts: Such as fuel pump diaphragms and throttle body isolators.
  4. Electrical applications: As sheathing material for wires and cables, providing protection and insulation.

Ethylene Acrylic Rubber (AEM)
Ethylene Acrylic Rubber (AEM) is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent high-temperature, oil, and weather resistance, commonly used in demanding automotive and industrial applications.

Features:

  1. High heat resistance: AEM maintains stable performance within a temperature range of -40°C to +175°C, suitable for high-temperature environments.
  2. Good oil resistance: Resists motor oils, lubricants, and other oils well.
  3. Excellent weatherability: Resists ultraviolet light, ozone, and other climatic factors excellently.
  4. Good compression set resistance: Maintains shape and performance under high temperature and pressure.
  5. Chemical resistance: Resists many chemicals and solvents well.

Applications:

  1. Automotive engine systems: Manufacturing high-temperature engine seals, hoses, and timing belts.
  2. Automotive cooling systems: Used to make radiator and cooling system hoses and seals.
  3. Industrial hoses: Making oil and chemical-resistant industrial hoses.
  4. Electrical insulation: As insulation material for wires and cables, utilizing its heat resistance.
  5. Vibration damping parts: Manufacturing shock absorbers and other damping parts to resist high temperatures and chemical corrosion.

Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber (CSM)
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber, also known as Hypalon, is a synthetic rubber made through the chlorosulfonation of polyethylene, featuring excellent chemical resistance, weatherability, and high-temperature performance.

Features:

  1. Superior chemical resistance: Good resistance to most acids, alkalis, salts, and oxidants.
  2. Excellent weatherability: Exceptional resistance to ultraviolet light, ozone, and extreme climatic conditions.
  3. High-temperature resistance: Operable within a temperature range of -20°C to +150°C.
  4. Flame retardancy: Naturally flame-retardant properties, suitable for fire-resistant applications.
  5. Good aging resistance: Maintains stable performance even after long-term exposure to harsh environments.

Applications:

  1. Outdoor building materials: Such as roofing membranes, waterproof layers, and curtains, utilizing its weatherability and flame retardancy.
  2. Automotive parts: Manufacturing chemical and high-temperature resistant automotive parts, such as hoses and seals.
  3. Wire and cable: As protective sheathing for wires and cables, providing chemical and high-temperature protection.
  4. Protective clothing: Used to make chemical and fire-resistant protective clothing, utilizing its chemical resistance and flame retardancy.
  5. Industrial membranes and coatings: As corrosion-resistant coatings and membranes for chemical storage tanks and pipes.

Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)
Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO) is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent oil, temperature, and chemical resistance, commonly used in automotive fuel and air conditioning systems.

Features:

  1. High oil resistance: ECO has exceptional resistance to gasoline, lubricating oils, and other petroleum products.
  2. Heat resistance: Capable of long-term operation within a temperature range of -40°C to +135°C.
  3. Ozone and weather resistance: Good resistance to ultraviolet light, ozone, and extreme climatic conditions.
  4. Chemical resistance: Good tolerance to many acids, alkalis, and salt solutions.
  5. Good elasticity: Maintains good elasticity and flexibility, not hardening easily even in low temperatures.

Applications:

  1. Automotive fuel systems: Manufacturing fuel hoses, seals, and fuel pump diaphragms.
  2. Automotive air conditioning systems: Used for hoses and seals in air conditioning systems.
  3. Industrial membranes and coatings: As anti-corrosion coatings and membranes for chemical processing equipment.
  4. Wire and cable: As oil and chemical-resistant protective layers for wires and cables.
  5. Special applications: Such as printing rollers and industrial belts requiring oil and chemical resistance.

Isoprene Rubber (IR)
Isoprene Rubber (IR) is a synthetic rubber with a structure and properties very similar to Natural Rubber (NR), widely used in applications requiring high elasticity and tear resistance.

Features:

  1. Exceptional elasticity: Comparable to natural rubber, capable of significant elongation under tension and returning to its original shape.
  2. Excellent tear resistance: Possesses good tear strength, suitable for products subjected to physical stress.
  3. Good wear resistance: Exhibits good wear resistance in applications involving ground contact.
  4. Shock absorption and sound insulation: Effectively absorbs vibrations and reduces noise, suitable for anti-vibration applications.
  5. Moderate heat resistance: Suitable for use in conditions where temperatures are not exceptionally high.

Applications:

  1. Tire manufacturing: Making lightweight vehicle and bicycle tires.
  2. Medical supplies: Such as surgical gloves, medical tubing, and infusion bags.
  3. Sporting goods: Such as elastic bands, sports shoe soles, and balls.
  4. Industrial belts and seals: Manufacturing industrial belts and seals requiring elasticity and tear resistance.
  5. Vibration damping parts: Such as vibration dampers and shock absorbers for machinery and electronic equipment.
Further Information

To learn more about selecting the appropriate rubber material based on application conditions and the detailed applications of rubber parts, please refer to Zonrubber's professional information: Zonrubber Material and Application Guide
Here, you will find detailed descriptions of various rubber materials and their application ranges, helping you make an informed choice.

With this information, we believe you can choose the most suitable rubber material for your needs and maximize the lifespan of your rubber parts. Zong Yih Rubber, leading the way in quality and innovation.

With over 46 years of experience, Zong Yih Rubber is not just a name in the rubber manufacturing field but a guarantee of quality. We have an in-depth understanding of rubber properties and are committed to producing high-quality rubber products to meet the needs of various industries.