materials
Rubber materials are characterized by elasticity; the property of a material to resume its original shape after the deforming forces are removed.
A material exhibiting this property was first discovered as a naturally occurring produce but today there are several synthetically produced rubber materials, each with its special properties.
Given the array of rubber materials to choose from, selecting the right material is critical to guarantee the performance of the component. Several factors influence this decision: temperature range of the application, media the component will be subject
to, the function of the component and even the commercial aspect.
Get in touch with us to find the best suited material for your application.
Natural Rubber (NR) [n/a]
The first rubber material to be discovered. Natural Rubber is widely used in the tyre industry. It has high tensile strength; high resilience, high abrasion and high tear resistance properties, with a good friction surface and excellent adhesion to metals.
Natural Rubber is highly resistant to media such as organic acids and alcohols, and fairly resistant to aldehydes.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene (NBR) [Nitrile®, Nypol®, Krynac®, Chemigum®]
Nitrile is currently the most widely used elastomer in the seal industry. This elastomer is highly resistant to petroleum based oils and fuels, silicone greases, water and alcohol, hydraulic fluids. While exhibiting such characteristics it also has desirable
working properties such as high tensile strength and abrasion resistance and low compression set.
NBR/PVC
Varying proportions of PVC can be blended with NBR to enhance it’s ozone resistance. This material also exhibits higher resistance to petroleum based fuels than NBR. There are trade-offs associated with the material in comparison to NBR and needs to be
carefully evaluated with regards to its application.
Hydrogenated NBR (HNBR) [Zetpol®, Therban®]
HNBR has enhanced NBR properties in all respects. Primarily used for all oil resistant applications, which includes resistance to additives such as detergents, antioxidants and anti wear agents. Used in seals for a variety of applications in automotive
fuel handling systems, general industrial usage.
Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) [Stylamer®]
Styrene butadiene has excellent water resistance and abrasion resistance. It is widely used in the tyre and conveyor belts industry and competes with Natural Rubber for these applications.
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM) [Nordel®, Keltan®]
Featuring good resistance to polar solvents such as ketones (MEK & Acetone). EPDM is also highly recommended for effective resistance to steam, hot water, silicon oils and greases, dilute acids and alkalis, alcohols and automotive brake fluids. It is
mostly used in automotive break systems, cooling systems and outdoor weather resistant applications. Especially resistant to high temperatures in primarily static applications.
Silicon (MQ, PMQ, VMQ, PVMQ) [Elastosil®, Silastic®, Silplus®]
Silicones are fungus resistant, odourless, tasteless, non toxic elastomers possessing high resistance to the ageing effects of both sunlight and ozone attack. Widely used in medical seals, electronic connector seals and food and drugs industry.
Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) [Silastic LS®, Elastosil®]
Combining the good high and low temperature stability of silicones with the fuel, oil and solvent resistance of fluorocarbon compounds feature good compression set and resilience properties. FVMQ compounds are suitable for exposure to air, sunlight, ozone,
chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Polyurethane (AU, EU) [Vibrathane®]
Exceptional abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and low friction qualities. Cast Polyurethane compounds feature high resistance to mineral-based oils and petroleum products, aliphatic solvents, alcohols and ethers. Cast PU is used in high pressure
hydraulic applications and is an excellent base material for O-Rings.
Chloroprene (CR) [Neoprene®, Byprene®]
An early developed oil resistance substitute for Natural Rubber. Neoprene features moderate resistance to petroleum oils, good resistance to ozone, sunlight and oxygen ageing, relatively low compression set, good resilience, reasonable cost and high resistance
to attack by freon and ammonia. Used for sealing purposes in refrigeration and for outdoor applications.
Fluorocarbon (FKM) [Viton®, Fluorel®]
Combining high temperature toughness with wide chemical agent compatibility. Fluorocarbon compounds feature excellent resistance to petroleum products and solvents with good high temperature compression set characteristics. Majorly used as O-Ring material
in critical sealing applications such as the aircraft engines industry.
Isobutene Isoprene Rubber (IIR) [Butyl]
Originally known as the “inner tube rubber”, is resistant to abrasion, ozone, weathering, and many chemicals, exhibits low resilience, and has excellent dampening properties.
Ethylene Acrylic (AEM) [Vamac®]
Enhancing the mechanical and low temperature properties of Polyacrylic, Vamac is best suited for automotive sealing. It features excellent resistance to heat, ozone and sunlight ageing, and good resistance to oil swelling, glycols, diluted acids and water.
Epichlorohydrin (ECO)
Homo-polymer (CO), co-polymer (ECO), and ter-polymer (GECO) variants available based on application. This material exhibits excellent resistance to Liquid Petroleum and Compressed Natural gasses and mineral and fuel oils.
Perfluorocarbon (FFKM) [Kalrez®]
This polymer is a fully fluorinated fluorocarbon for use in the most aggressive environments. It has a very high resistance to polar and non-polar solvents and has a very wide temperature range of application. It is typically used in applications where
the replacement of the seal is very expensive, for example Oil and Gas industry.
Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene (FEPM) [Aflas®]
A copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and propylene with high temperature and chemical resistance. It’s resistance to a wide range of chemicals, high temperature and electrical capabilities makes it suitable for diverse applications. FEPM compounds have
resistance to acids and bases, steam/hot water, corrosion inhibitors, oils and lubricants, and industrial solvents.