Neoprene® shares the same operational temperature range as nitrile and is commonly used to seal refrigerants in air conditioner and refrigeration units.
It has relatively low compression set, good resilience and abrasion, and is flex cracking resistant. It is therefore uniquely qualified for certain sealing applications where many other materials would fail. Neoprene®, which is classified as a general purpose elastomer, is unusual in that it is moderately resistant to petroleum oils and weather (ozone, UV, oxygen). It not advisable for use with automotive brake fluid, ketones, phosphate ester hydraulic fluids, and nitro or halogenated hydrocarbons. Nitrile has a temperature range of between -54 and +149 degrees Celsius and has a good balance of desirable properties like low compression set, high abrasion resistance and high tensile strength. This is partly because it displays excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, water, alcohols, silicone greases and hydraulic fluids. Nitrile (also known as NBR rubber and Buna-N) is the seal industry’s most widely used and economical elastomer. Its impermeability to gas makes butyl ideal for seals in vacuum applications. Common applications include O-rings, tank liners and sealants.
It has a tendency to trap air, blister and creep during manufacture. Butyl is resistant to phosphate ester based hydraulic fluids and has excellent electrical insulation properties. It offers exceptionally low gas and moisture permeability and outstanding resistance to heat, ageing, weather, ozone, chemical attack, flexing, abrasion and tearing. Butyl (IIR)īutyl rubber is a great option for shock absorption. The main applications of styrene butadiene rubber include tyres and tyre products, automotive parts and mechanical rubber goods. However, SBR offers poor resistance to sunlight, ozone, steam and oils. Styrene-butadiene rubber is a low-cost synthetic rubber that offers good abrasion resistance, outstanding impact strength, good resilience and high tensile strength. Natural rubber is used in gaskets, seals, shock mounts, hoses and tubing. ON the downside, natural rubber is only moderately resistant to heat, light and ozone damage. Natural rubber has a high tensile strength and is resistant to fatigue from wear, such as chipping, cutting or tearing. Natural rubber (Isoprene) is derived from the latex sap of the Pará rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis). Here, we will take a closer look at 10 of the more common types of rubber used today. Because rubber’s chemical properties also make it incredibly attractive for engineering a wide variety of different types of synthetic rubber that combine the best properties of natural rubber with a host of beneficial extra traits. Not just in terms of its elastic and malleable mechanical properties either. 10 common types of rubberĪs we know, rubber is flexible. In this article, Martin’s Rubber explores 10 types of rubber, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages and typical uses. From the natural rubber derived from rubber trees through to an extensive array of synthetic rubbers, there really is a rubber material for every occasion. Rubber is an incredibly versatile, all-purpose material that is used across a huge range of domestic and industrial applications.