Rubbers are an elastic, resilient material which has various uses and applications. For any type, rubbers are mainly used because of the versatile and elasticity features included. From baby items to space items, rubbers are mainly useful for setting up various effects.
It includes numerous industrial applications which have lots of properties to discover effectively. But before that, you must notice the 8 common rubber types, pros, cons and their application in detail. It should be easy for you to follow this guide in detail.
There are a number of different kinds of rubber profile strip, each with its own set of features that make it suitable for a particular use. The flexibility and durability of natural rubber, which is made from the sap of rubber trees, are well-known qualities.
They are frequently utilized in industries, agriculture, and mining, where durability and adaptability are crucial. On the other hand, oil-based materials are used to make synthetic rubber sheets, which have more properties.
Types of common rubber:
Due to their resistance to oil, heat, and chemicals, neoprene sheets make excellent seals for marine and automotive applications. Silicone sheets are frequently utilized in the electrical and medical industries due to their ability to withstand high temperatures.
EPDM sheets are suitable for outdoor applications like waterproofing and roofing due to their excellent resistance to weather and ozone. You will be able to select the appropriate material for your requirements once you have an understanding of the various kinds of rubber sheets and the properties that each one possesses.
Natural
Of course, natural rubber is the natural elastomer which is extracted from rubber trees in which it has a a viscous milky substance known as latex. However, it should be dry and chemical treatment applications which include thick fluid. It is mainly coagulated with chemical properties and induced to prepare many useful products.
Pros:
- High tensile strength
- abrasion resistance.
Cons:
- degradation in UV, ozone, sunlight, heat,
- petroleum oil and fuels.
Applications:
However, natural rubber is mainly useful for blending with synthetic rubber used in tyres, flooring, conveyor belts, anti-vibration pads and so on.
Neoprene
Perhaps Neoprene is called polychloroprene, which has a former name and is now called Neoprene among the masses. Of course, it is nothing but the first synthetic rubber which has the most versatile elastic polymer characteristics. Hence, this type of rubber includes physical and mechanical properties due to diverse engineering services.
Pros:
- Easily resistant to heat, chemicals and others
Cons:
- relatively high-pricing
- non-biodegradable
- degradation in strong oxidizing acids, ketones, and organic solvents.
Applications:
Wetsuits, marine and ships, bridge bearing pads, seals, trims of aircraft, and aerospace, hoses, and timing belts.
Silicone
Silicone, on the other hand, offers an aesthetic look for various applications. Of course, the sustainable feature will be set out with lower temperature ranges.
They can easily back with grades and are noticed as widely useful for the pharma and medical industry. Due to its inertness, it includes its operation for living cells and tissues.
Pros:
- Chemical and thermal stability
- Wide operating temperature range
- Biocompatibility, no creasing or wrinkling,
Cons:
- Less tensile strength and elongation
- poor wear and tear resistivity.
Application: glass sealant, extreme-temperature insulation pads, paints, mattress protector sheets, microwave-safe utensils, teats, prosthetics.
EPDM
EPDM is nothing but an all rounder elastomer which has superior tolerance towards environmental effects. Hence, it should be an easy one and have properties to examine with moisture, air, water and even steam. Of course, this rubber type includes good electric current resistivity along with a fair temperature range.
Pros:
- relatively economical
- Excellent weathering and aging
Cons:
- Poor performance with oil, acids, kerosene, and many chemicals.
Application: roofing, the lining of water reservoirs, gaskets, cords, and profiles for door-window trims.
Nitrile
It is known as the best and top usage of petroleum product friendly elastic material. However, it is capable of understanding the inertness towards petroleum-based oil and fuels.
It should be the best choice and slightly to work with, demanding the non-degradation due to substances. They set out a good choice and have a good option to work with petroleum products.
Pros:
- economical compared to neoprene
- good abrasion resistance
Cons:
- Limited temperature range
- prone to wreathing, UV, sunlight, and ozone
Applications: Oil seals, gaskets, washers, Hoses, and insulation sheets for HVAC systems.
Viton (fluoroelastomer)
It is nothing but an ultra high performance elastomer which is developed basically with stringent specifications. Of course, it will deliver exceptional resistivity towards various chemicals, acids, lubricants and gases.
However, it includes the best choice for elastic material and is mainly applicable to satellite applications. The replacement parts are not possible, but they include highly varied performance.
Pros:
- High temperature befitted
- Most reliable rubber for harsh conditions
Cons:
- high density
- very costly
- limited availability.
Application: seals, gaskets, washers, insulation pads, trims, wipers.
Butyl
Furthermore, the butyl is nothing but extremely flexible when compared with a good compression set. Of course, it offers a good rebound when compressed with a salient role.
It is mainly applicable for preparing gas retention and useful for various applications. They will change a lot and are mainly applicable for noticing the overall efforts in common rubber usage.
Pros:
- Good flex properties
- impermeable to gasses
- satisfactory heat, weather, and water resistance
Cons:
- Not suitable for oil, fuels, and high temperatures.
Application: bushes, mounts, speaker cone edges, adhesives, sports goods, tubes, wipers.
SBR (Synthetic butadiene rubber)
SBR is always a general-purpose synthetic rubber, which is often used for natural rubber for enhanced tensile and abrasion resistance. It should be a valid one and have peace of mind in choosing the applications for elastic polymers. Depending on the cost-effective and greater consumed rubber, the usage is always higher.
Pros:
- Appropriate for blending with other rubbers
- economical, heat, and abrasion assistance.
Cons:
- Less tensile and elongation
- poor abrasion and heat resistance
- limited service under oil and fuels.
Application: footwear, sports goods, automotive parts, washers, coupling, car tyres, hoses, adhesives.
Conclusion
Finally, you are now clear about the branded and varied rubber profiles in detail. Of course, rubber profiles are always examined with their pros, cons, and applications. So, you are now ready to notice which type of rubber is applicable for industrial and common applications.
