Introduction
Rubber is the most commonly used material across industries due to its physical and chemical properties. Almost all the industries run with the help of rubber compounds. But are you aware of the idea that all the rubber materials are the same?
Based on the properties of the rubber, each of them is selected for specific applications. Whether you need high heat resistance, chemical stability, or superior elasticity, understanding different rubber types is essential.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most common types of rubber compounds, their properties, and their uses in making precision rubber parts for industry applications.
Why Choose the right rubber for your process?
Most of the industries operate on specific conditions and rubber products are selected based on them. To meet the specific conditions the selected rubber material should be capable of withstanding the extremes and it is solely based on their properties.
Let’s understand their properties and help you select the right rubber material for your industrial rubber products selection. If you do not select the right rubber material, you will end up wasting all your money, efforts and time.
Types of Rubber Material available for manufacturing Rubber Compounds:
Types of Rubber Material available for manufacturing Rubber Compounds:
Natural Rubber (NR)
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Silicone Rubber
Neoprene Rubber (CR)
Butyl Rubber (IIR)
Fluoroelastomer (FKM/Viton®)
Polyurethane Rubber (PU)
Hypalon (CSM – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene)
Rubber Type | Origin | Key Properties | Applications | Pros | Cons |
Natural Rubber (NR) | Extracted from latex found in rubber trees. | Exceptional elasticity, good tensile strength, and resistance to wear. | Used in tires, industrial belts, adhesives, footwear, and medical gloves. | Biodegradable, strong tensile properties. | Not resistant to oils, UV exposure, and high temperatures. |
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) | A synthetic rubber alternative to natural rubber. | High abrasion resistance, good aging stability, and cost-effectiveness. | Car tires, conveyor belts, gaskets, and footwear. | More durable than natural rubber, excellent wear resistance. | Poor resistance to oils and chemicals. |
Nitrile Rubber (NBR) | A copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. | Excellent oil and fuel resistance, high durability, and flexibility. | O-rings, fuel hoses, gaskets, gloves, and industrial seals. | Strong resistance to petroleum-based fluids. | Limited resistance to UV and ozone exposure. |
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) | A synthetic rubber known for its superior weather resistance. | UV resistance, excellent chemical stability, and durability. | Roofing, automotive weatherstripping, and outdoor gaskets. | Ideal for outdoor applications, highly resistant to oxidation. | Poor resistance to petroleum-based fluids and oils. |
Silicone Rubber | Made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen compounds. | High-temperature resistance, flexibility, and non-toxicity. | Medical devices, baking molds, automotive seals, and electrical insulation. | Can withstand extreme temperatures (-60°C to 300°C), non-toxic. | Lower tensile strength compared to other rubbers. |
Neoprene Rubber (CR) | One of the first synthetic rubbers ever developed. | Resistance to oils, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. | Wetsuits, industrial hoses, gaskets, and protective gear. | Good flame resistance, durable against environmental factors. | Less flexible compared to natural rubber. |
Butyl Rubber (IIR) | Made from combiningisobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. | Excellent impermeability to gases, good chemical resistance. | Inner tubes, pharmaceutical stoppers, sealants, and shock absorbers. | Superior airtight sealing, highly resistant to ozone. | Poor resistance to petroleum-based fluids. |
Fluoroelastomer (FKM/Viton®) | High-performance synthetic rubber developed for extreme conditions. | Excellent resistance to chemicals, heat, and fuel. | Aerospace seals, industrial gaskets, fuel system components. | Withstands extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. | Expensive compared to other rubber types. |
Polyurethane Rubber (PU) | A synthetic rubber alternative with superior strength. | High abrasion resistance, flexibility, and load-bearing capacity. | Wheels, conveyor belts, gaskets, and machinery parts. | Extremely durable and resistant to wear. | Susceptible to hydrolysis in humid environments. |
Hypalon (CSM – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) | A synthetic rubber developed for extreme weather conditions. | UV resistance, fire retardancy, and chemical stability. | Roofing membranes, inflatable boats, and protective coatings. | Highly weather-resistant, excellent durability. | Production has been stopped due to environmental concerns. |
Industrial Applications of all the types of Rubber:
Various sectors utilise the most suitable industrial rubber products based on the process and estimated required conditions. We have listed out few of the industrial applications of the rubber in brief:
Rubber Type | Industrial Applications |
Natural Rubber (NR) | Automotive tires, conveyor belts, adhesives, footwear, medical gloves. |
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) | Automotive tires, industrial hoses, conveyor belts, gaskets, shoe soles. |
Nitrile Rubber (NBR) | Automotive fuel hoses, oil seals, gaskets, gloves, industrial machinery. |
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) | Roofing, automotive weatherstripping, electrical insulation, water-resistant seals. |
Silicone Rubber | Medical devices, food-grade applications, automotive seals, electrical insulation. |
Neoprene Rubber (CR) | Wetsuits, industrial hoses, automotive gaskets, protective coatings. |
Butyl Rubber (IIR) | Inner tubes, pharmaceutical stoppers, industrial vibration dampers, soundproofing materials. |
Fluoroelastomer (FKM/Viton®) | Aerospace seals, industrial gaskets, chemical-resistant tubing, fuel system components. |
Polyurethane Rubber (PU) | Industrial wheels, conveyor belts, shock-absorbing mounts, machinery parts. |
Hypalon (CSM – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) | Roofing membranes, inflatable boats, industrial protective coatings, cable insulation. |
Choosing the Right Rubber Material with SRK Polymers
Selecting the right rubber material depends on several factors:
Temperature resistance: Silicone and FKM are ideal for high-heat environments.
Chemical exposure: FKM, NBR, and EPDM offer excellent resistance.
Flexibility and elasticity: Natural rubber and PU provide superior flexibility.
Cost considerations: SBR and EPDM are cost-effective alternatives.
For applications requiring weather resistance, EPDM and Hypalon are excellent choices, while oil-resistant applications benefit from NBR and FKM. When heat resistance is a priority, silicone and Viton® are preferred. Each rubber type serves a unique purpose, making it crucial to understand your specific needs before selecting the right material.
Selecting the right rubber material is as important as selecting the right rubber manufacturers in India. We are the best in making silicone rubber products and other rubber products as well, for more details you can contact SRK Polymers, the best rubber company in India on the number → +919842286664
Conclusion
Rubber is a fundamental material used in countless industries, and selecting the right type ensures optimal performance and longevity. Whether it’s natural rubber for its elasticity, nitrile rubber for its oil resistance, or fluorocarbon rubber for extreme conditions, each type offers distinct advantages.
By understanding the properties and applications of different rubber materials, businesses and engineers can make informed decisions for their projects.
If you’re looking for high-quality rubber materials for your industry needs, consult with leading rubber manufacturers who can provide tailored solutions to meet your requirements.