Type of Synthetic Rubber

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Types of Synthetic Rubber

Synthetic Rubber Types

Synthetic rubber is a man-made rubber which is produced in manufacturing plants by

synthesizing it from petroleum and other minerals. Synthetic rubberis basically a

polymer or an artificial polymer. It has the property of undergoing elastic stretchability or

deformation under stress but can also return to its previous size without permanent

deformation. This page is about different synthetic rubber types. However, before

understanding the types of synthetic rubber, it is desirable to learn about the kinds of

rubber available in today's world.

Rubber Types- The Types of Rubber

Rubber is a broad term used to refer to many types of different polymers, simply called

the types of rubber that are all elastomers. Being elastomers mean they can be stretched out and will return to their

original shape let gone. Natural rubber is the original and the first kind of rubber to be used by man- it is still used in

different forms. Other than natural rubber, all the other types of rubber are synthetic or manmade. Some of the examples

of such rubber types include Polychloroprene (generally sold by the trade name Neoprene); Polybutadiene; Poly(styrene-

butadiene-styrene) rubber or SBS rubber; Polyisobutylene; Silicone among others. All these kinds of rubber made of

synthetic polymers have been discussed in detail later in this page. However, before knowing about all these synthetic

rubber varieties, get to know what is synthetic rubber and what are its chemical types.

What is Synthetic Rubber?

Rubber in its native form is basically useless. It is only when certain chemicals are added, the rubber thus produced is

used to make varied rubber products. Synthetic rubber is used as a substitute for natural rubber in many cases.

Depending on the chemicals added and the properties associated with it, the synthetic rubber can be as hard as a

bowling ball or as resilient as a rubber band or as soft as a sponge. When improved material properties are required,

synthetic rubber is considered. Approximately 70% of all rubber used today are one from many synthetic rubber varieties.

What are the Chemical Types in Synthetic Rubber?

Synthetic rubber is artificially made from petrochemical feedstocks. Crude oil is the principal raw material for different

types of rubber in synthetic category. As opposed to natural rubberwhere there is only one chemical type, there areapproximately 20 different chemical types of synthetic rubber, and within all of the types of rubber, there are different

grades. The different types of rubber, especially the synthetic rubber types have their own individual properties and

advantages. The industry chooses the rubber types which most clearly meet the demands of an intended use.

Types of Synthetic Rubber

As is clear from the above discussion, there are about twenty different types of chemicals used for making different

synthetic rubber varities. It is obvious that there are different synthetic rubber kinds. Some of the popular synthetic rubber

types include the following.

Acrylic Rubber (ACM)

Butadiene Rubber (BR)

Butyl Rubber (IIR) Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)/ Hypalon

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

Fluoroelastomers (FKM)/ Viton

Isoprene Rubber (IR)

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)

Polychloroprene (CR)/ Neoprene

Polysulfide Rubber (PSR)

Silicone Rubber (SiR)

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

What Led to the Development of Synthetic Rubber?

During the World War II, the United States was cut off from almost all of its sources of natural rubber in the Pacific. In

order to meet the country's needs for this important material, the government built synthetic rubber plants and the


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manufacturing industries operated them. Synthetic rubber production increased from 8,000 tons in 1941 to 820,000 tons

in 1945. After the World War II, the government sold these synthetic rubber plants to the industries. After that there is no

looking back. There are different types of synthetic rubber having different properties and manufacturers and suppliers

are producing different range of rubber products which are used for commercial and industrial purpose. According to a

research report, the global demand for industrial rubber products is estimated to rise to 4.3% annually through 2013 to

$97.8 billion. For more information, check out Rubber Industry Global Overview

How is Synthetic Rubber Produced?

Petrochemical feedstocks are the main raw material for producing synthetic rubber types. Crude oil is the principal raw

material. Two types of gases too contribute in the producton of general types of rubbers in the category of synthetic

rubber. These are butadien used for making Butadiene Rubberand styrene used for making Styrene Butadiene Rubber.

Butadiene is a by-product of petroleum refining and styrene is captured either in the coking process or as a petroleum

refining by-product. When these two gases are mixed in the presence of soapsuds in a reactor, they result into liquid

latex. This is a milky liquid in which the dry rubber is coagulated into crumbs, washed, dried, and baled ready for

shipment. For more details about synthetic rubber production, check out Synthetic Rubber


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Acrylic Rubber (ACM)

Acrylic rubber is a type of synthetic rubber containing acrylonitrile. The chemical name

of this rubber is Alkyl acrylate copolymer. The outstanding property of this rubber is its

resistance to hot oil and to oxidation. These Rubber is suitable for continuous use at

temperatures up to 150 degree celsius and at intermittent exposure up to about 180

degree celcius. It has however poor resistance to water or moisture. ACM rubber is

usually not suitable for use much below -10 degree celsius and also has poor resistance

to acids and bases. Acrylic rubber is widely used in automotive transmissions

and hoses.

Properties of Acrylic Rubber

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Durometer or Hardness

Range

Tensile Strength Range

Elongation (Range %)Abrasion Resistance

Adhesion to Metal

Adhesion to Rigid

Materials

Compression Set

Flex Cracking

Resistance

Impact Resistance

Resilience/Rebound

Tear Resistance

Vibration Dampening

40 - 90 Shore A

500 - 2,500 PSI

100 % - 450 %

Fair to GoodFair to Good

Fair to Good

Poor to Good

Fair to Good

Poor

Fair to Good

Poor to Good

Good to Excellent

We cater to wholesale supply of acrylic rubber. For bulk requirement of acrylic rubber, synthetic acrylic rubber,

acrylic rubber products, send us online enquiry and you will get prompt response from genuine suppliers.Click

here to send enquiry.

Environmental Performance

Colorability

Flame Resistance

Gas Permeability

Odor

Ozone Resistance

Oxidation ResistanceRadiation Resistance

Steam Resistance

Sunlight Resistance

Taste Retention

Weather Resistance

Water Resistance

Good

Poor

Good to Excellent

Fair to Good

Good to Excellent

ExcellentPoor to Good

Poor

Good to Excellent

Fair to Good

Excellent

Excellent

Source:

www.robinsonrubber.com/pdfs/PolyacrylateAcrylicRubber.pdf


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Butadiene Rubber (BR)

Butadiene rubber is supposed to be the most elastic rubber type. The chemical name of this

rubber is Polybutadiene. This rubber is polymerized butadiene and usually used in

combination with other rubber types. This rubber is the second largest volume synthetic

rubber produced, after styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). In 1999, the consumption was about

1,953,000 metric tons worldwide.

Application of Butadiene Rubber

A typical application is a blend of BR and natural rubber in truck tires. The major use of

butadiene rubber is in tires with over 70% of the polymer produced going into sidewalls and

treads. This rubber is usually combined with other elastomers like natural rubber or SBR for tread compounds. It also has

a major application as an impact modifier for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS) and polystyrene with about 25%

of the total volume going into these applications. Typically about 7% of this rubber is added to the polymerization process

to make these rubber-toughened resins. Due to its outstanding resiliency, it is estimated that about 20,000 metric tons

worldwide of high cis polybutadiene is used every year in golf ball cores. This application is widely growing because the

golf ball industry seems to be moving away from the traditional wound ball technology to the two-piece, solid core

construction, made of BR, in combination with other rubbers.

Properties of Butadiene Rubber

High Elasticity

Low temperature properties

Wear resistance

Low hysterisis

Good flexibility at ambient temperatures

High abrasion resistance in severe conditions

Low rolling resistance

Conclusion

The butadiene rubber is and will continue to be a high volume rubber for use in toughened plastics, tires, and golf balls

due to its low cost, availabil ity and unique properties.


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Butyl Rubber (IIR)

Butyl rubber (IIR), the chemical name of which is Isobutylene-isoprene copolymer is actually

the copolymer of isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. Also known as

polyisobutylene, this rubber was first commercialized in 1943. Resulting from low levels of

unsaturation between long polyisobutylene segments, the primary quialities of butyl rubber

are excellent impermeability or air retention and good flexible properties. The first major use

of butyl rubber was Tire innertubes, and this continues to be a significant market today.

Applications of Butyl Rubber

Check out our article Butyl Rubber Applications.

Processing and Vulcanization of Butyl Rubber

For most applications, butyl rubber must be compounded and vulcanized to yield useful, durable end use products. This

is same for all other rubbers as well. Grades of Butyl are developed to meet specific processing and property needs, and

hence a range of molecular weights, unsaturation, and cure rates are available commercially. Both the end use

properties and the processing equipment are important in determining the right grade of Butyl to be used in a specific

application. The selection and ratios of the proper fillers, stabilizers, processing aids and curatives play vital roles in both

how the compound will process and how the end product will behave.We cater to wholesale supply of Butyl Rubber. For bulk requirement of butyl rubber, natural butyl rubber, butyl

reclaimed rubber, IIR butyl rubber, butyl rubber products etc., send us online enquiry and you will get prompt

response from genuine suppliers.Click here to send enquiry.

Properties of Butyl Rubber

Flexibility

Low glass transition temperature

Resistant to ozone

Displays high damping at ambient temperatures

Good ozone resistance

Good weathering, heat, and chemical resistance Good vibration damper

Biocompatible etc.


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Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)/ Hypalon

Hypalon CSM Rubber Sheets

What is CSM Rubber?

Chlorosulfonated polyethylene or CSM is a synthetic rubber based on polyethylene. This rubber is a material

with Neoprene Polychloroprene plus other qualities. The CSM rubber is suitable for continuous use up to about 130

degree celcius. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) is known for its excellent resistance to atmospheric conditions and

good resistance to chemicals. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene is used in a variety of industrial and automotive applications

that require high performance and have to withstand extreme weather conditions. Some poducts where chlorosulfonated

polyethylene rubber is used include rubber linings, hoses, valve seals and gaskets etc.

Hypalon

Hypalon is the trade mark of CSM. Hypalon was developed in 1951 and since then it has become the common name

for chlorosulfonated polyethylene. It is a product of DuPont Performance Elastomers, a subsidiary of DuPont. However, it

is also manufactured by other manufacturers with different trade names. Hypalon has always demonstrated durability in

harsh environments. This type of rubber is known to be used in applications that require high performance and

resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light.

Properties of Hypalon or Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)

This rubber has excellent resistance to oxygen, ozone and most chemicals,

water.

It has poor fuel resistance. It also has poor compression set resistance which limits its utility in dynamic

sealing applications.

It also has poor compression set resistance which limits its usefulness in

dynamic sealing applications.

It is resistant to weather.

It is also resistant to abrasion.

Uses of Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene

Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene

CSM is used in a number of applications. Variety of products are made using CSM. Some of the popular uses and

applications of Hypalon or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) are as follows:

Construction industry uses CSM for roofing membranes, liners and coversfor portable water reservoirs etc.


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Automotive industry uses chlorosulfonated polyethylene for making hoses,

tubing and belts etc. Automotive components like high-temperature timing

belts and power steering are made of CSM.

Wire and cable industry uses CSM for making molded goods, coatings and

adhesives. It is widely used for jacketing and insulation for wire and cable

For manufacturing of such industrial products as hose, rolls, seals, gaskets,

diaphragms and lining for chemical processing equipment also,

chlorosulfonated polyethylene is a preferred choice.

Some other products where CSM is used widely include rubber coatingshoe

soles, flexible tubes, flexible magnetic binders, and a host of protective and

decorative coatings


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EPDM Rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber or Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber is one of the most

popular types of synthetic rubber. EPDM rubber is an elastomer- a high-density rubber

that is very durable and has a wide range of applications.

An Introduction to EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber or Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber is used for many purposes.

Considered to be the most water resistant rubber among all types of rubber, EPDM

rubber is widely used for manufacturing of sheeting used at high temperatures. In fact,

EPDM rubber is one of the most commonly used and fastest growing synthetic rubbers

having both general-purpose and specialty applications. There has been increased

demand for EPDM rubber in automotive, construction, and mechanical goods applications. The rubber consists of

ethylene and propylene and diene and hence abbreviated as EPDM. This rubber has some inherent features that make it

especially suitable for electrical insulation, gaskets and lamination. Polymerization and catalyst technologies in use today

provide the ability to design EPDM rubber to meet specific and demanding application and processing needs.

Properties of EPDM RubberThere are many properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber or the EPDM rubber which makes it one of the

most popular synthetic rubber.

EPDM rubber has excellent resistance to atmospheric aging meaning it is

heat, ozone and weather resistant

It has a good resistance to most water-based chemicals.

EPDM rubber also has a great resistance to abrasives and tearing.

It has stable, saturated polymer backbone structure.

It has good electrical resistivity.

EPDM rubber is also resistant to polar solvents like water, acids, alkalies,

phosphate esters.

It has excellent flexibility at high and low temperatures.

EPDM rubber can be finished to an extremely smooth surface

It has resistance to solvents and high temperatures too.

We cater to wholesale supply of EPDM Rubber. For bulk requirement of EPDM rubber and EPDM rubber

products like EPDM gaskets, EPDM sheet, EPDM roofing, EPDM rubber profile, send us online enquiry and you

will get prompt response from genuine suppliers.Click here to send enquiry.

Applications of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber

Since EPDM rubber does not crack outdoors, it is widely used for seals in buildings and in the automotive industry. Some

other applications are steam hose, high temperature-resistant seals and roll covers. Polymerization and catalyst

technologies in use today provide the ability to design EPDM rubber to meet specific and demanding application and

processing needs. This has resulted in broad usage of EPDM rubber in following industries:

Automotive weather-stripping and seals

Glass-run channel

Radiator

Garden and appliance hose

Tubing

Belts

Electrical insulation

Roofing membrane

Rubber mechanical goods Plastic impact modification

Thermoplastic vulcanizates

Motor oil additive applications


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You might also like to read the article

Epdm Coatings- Rubber Coating for Roof Repair

Conclusion about EPDM Rubber

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubbers are one of the most versatile, fastest growing synthetic rubberpolymers. Excellent resistance to heat, oxidation, ozone and weather aging have led to increased demand for this rubber

in automotive, construction, and mechanical goods applications. Current and emerging advanced polymerization and

catalyst technologies have also led to design of polymers to meet application and processing needs that are very

important to meeting the ever-increasing demands for product quality, uniformity and performance.


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Fluoroelastomers (FKM) / FKM Viton

FKM Viton O-Rings

What is FKM?

Fluroelastomer or FKM is a class of synthetic rubber designed for very high temperature

operation. FKM provides extraordinary levels of resistance to chemicals, heat and oil,while providing useful service life above 200C. FKM are not a single entity but a family

of fluoropolymer rubbers. Fluoroelastomers or FKM (sometimes also referred to as FKM

Viton) can be classified by their fluorine content, 66%, 68%, & 70% respectively. This

means that FKM rubber having higher fluorine content, have increasing fluids resistance

derived from increasing fluorine levels.

FKM Viton

Viton is a registered trademark for fluroelastomer by DuPont Performance Elastomers L.L.C. This fluoroelastomer-

FKM Viton- was introduced in 1957 to meet the requirements in the aerospace industry for a high-performance

elastomer. The use of Viton has spread quickly to many other industries, including the automotive, appliance and

chemical industries, fluid power. Viton is the most specified fluoroelastomer, well known for its excellent heat

resistance, excellent resistance to aggressive fuels and chemicals. This popular FKM Viton fluroelastomer has worldwideISO 9000 and ISO/TS 16949 registration.

To get a better idea on Fluroelastomers, check out our articles

FKM (Fluoroelastomers) for sealing

FFKM Performance and Application

We cater to wholesale supply of Fluoroelastomers FKM) Viton through our vast directory of FKM rubber

manufacturers and fluoroelastomers rubber suppliers. For bulk requirement of Fluoroelastomers rubber, FKM

rubber, Viton, FFFM rubber products, FKM products, Viton Synthetic Rubber etc. send us online enquiry and get

prompt response from genuine fluoroelastomers rubber suppliers and FKM rubber wholesalers.Click here to

send enquiry.

Properties of Fluoroelastomers (FKM)

Fluoroelastomers have excellent resistance to chemical attack by oxidation,

by acids and by fuels.

They also have good oil resistance.

They have limited resistance to steam, methanol, hot water, and other highly

polar fluids.

The outstanding heat stability and excellent oil resistance are due to the high

ratio of fluorine to hydrogen, the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, and

the absence of unsaturation.

The latest FKM polymers have a much broader fluids resistance profile thanstandard fluoroelastomers.

They are able to withstand strong bases and ketones as well as aromatic

hydrocarbons, oils, acids, and steam.

Peroxide cured fluoroelastomers have inherently better water, steam, and

acid resistance.

FKM Applications

FKM provides premium, long-term reliability even in harsh environments. A list of its applications is given below:

Aerospace: O-ring seals in fuels, lubricants, Valve stem seals, Fuel hoses,

Fuel Injector O-rings, In tank and quick connect, Flue duct exp. Joints, Valveliners, Roll covers, Sheet stock/cut gaskets etc.


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Automotive: Shaft seals, Check valve balls, Diaphragms, Military flare

binders, Electrical connectors, Tire valve stem seals, Clips for jet engines,

Lathe cut gaskets etc.

Industrial: Hydraulic o-ring seals and hydraulic systems, Manifold gaskets,

Fuel tank bladders, Firewall seals, Engine lube siphon hose fuel system

seals, Gaskets (valve & manifold) etc.

Conclusion

FKM is of high value in use as a class of synthetic rubber which provides extraordinary levels of resistance to chemicals,

oil and heat. This type of rubber can be fabricated into seals, o-rings, and hoses for a variety of high performance

applications in the automotive, aerospace, and petrochemical industries.


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The isoprene rubber (or IR rubber) is very much like natural rubberbut made artificially

or synthetically. The chemical name of isoprene rubber is synthetic cis-polyisoprene.

Essentially similar to natural rubber in properties, this rubber may be somewhat weaker

because it is not 100% the cis-isomer. This rubber is used in the same type of products

as natural rubber.

Properties of Isoprene Rubber

The physical properties of IR rubber are in general somewhat inferior to those of

natural rubber but, in principle, the two types of rubber are quite similar.

This rubber has almost the same chemical structure as natural rubber (polyisoprene).

It does not contain proteins, fatty acids and the other substances that are present in natural rubber.

IR rubber demonstrates lower green strength, slower cure rates, lower hot tear, and lower aged properties than

natural rubber.

PR exceeds the natural types in consistency of product, cure rate, purity and processing.

In addition, isoprene rubber has the unique property in mixing, extrusion, molding, and calendering processes.

Applications of Isoprene Rubber

Isoprene Rubber or synthetic polyisoprene is used in a wide variety of industries and applications requiring low water

swell, high gum tensile strength, good resilience, good tack and high hot tensile.

Gum compounds based on IR are used in rubber bands, cut thread, baby bottle nipples, and extruded hose.

Black loaded compounds of this rubber find use in tires, motor mounts, shock absorber bushings, pipe gaskets, and

many other molded and mechanical goods.

Mineral filled systems find applications in footwear, sponge, and sporting goods.

Recent reports about allergic reactions to proteins present in natural rubber have prompted increased usage of themore pure IR in various applications.

Liquid Isoprene Rubber (LIR)

Liquid Isoprene Rubber (LIR) is a colorless, transparent and almost odorless viscous liquid rubber. It acts as a reactive

plasticizer. It is, in fact, the rubber having highest molecular weight among those materials that can perform plasticizing

functions. Liquid isoprene rubber can be vulcanized, co vulcanized and co cross linked with solid rubbers such as NR,

SBR, BR and EPDM using sulfur or peroxide.

Applications of Liquid Isoprene Rubber

As mentioned above, liquid isoprene rubber can act as a reactive plasticizer, it is used in the following applications.

Rubber goods like tires, belts, hose, footwear etc.

Adhesives including solution, hot melt, crosslink and latex.

Sealants in automobile industry.

Liquid isoprene rubber is also used in some other applications like in printing plates, coating, lubricants and binders.

Conclusion About Isoprene Rubber

Synthetic polyisoprene or IR represents one of the important classes of polymers produced in a solution medium.

Modern techniques have permitted the production of a synthetic analog of natural rubber with improved uniformity and

processing.


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Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile Rubber Sheets

Nitrile Rubber is a synthetic rubberproduced by polymerization of acrylonitrile with

butadiene. Nitrile synthetic rubber is also known as NBR, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber,

acrylonitrile rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, and NR. This type of synthetic rubber is

widely used in a number of applications. In fact, industrial nitrile rubber is one of the very

sought after variety of synthetic rubber by most of the manufaturing units. In the year

2005, worldwide consumption of NBR had reached almost 368,000 metric tons annually

and the global market for nitrile butadiene rubber has been forecast to exceed 645

thousand tons by the year 2017.

What is Nitrile Rubber (NBR)?

Nitrile rubber or NBRis a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. The chemical name of nitrile

synthetic rubber is acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer. It is one of the important synthetic rubber typeshaving a high

resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbon oils and fuels. There are different grades available with nitrile rubber manufacturers

and suppliers. The higher the acrylonitrile (ACN) content in a grade of nitrile rubber, the higher will be the oil resistance

but then the low temperature flexibility will get poorer.

Nitrile Synthetic Rubber Properties

Nitrile rubberhas high resilience and high wear resistance. However, it has only moderate strength along with limited

weathering resistance and poor aromatic oil resistance. Nitrile rubber can generally be used down to about -30C but

special grades of NBR can work at lower temperatures too. Following is the list of Nitrile Rubber Properties.

Nitrile Rubber belongs to the family of unsaturated copolymers of

acrylonitrile and butadiene.

The physical and chemical properties of nitrile rubber vary depending on the

polymers composition of acrylonitrile.

Different grades are available for this rubber. The higher the acrylonitrile

content within the polymer, the higher the oil resistance.

It is generally resistant to fuel and other chemicals.

It can withstand a range of temperatures.

It has inferior strength and flexibility, compared to natural rubber.

Nitrile rubber is also resistant to al iphatic hydrocarbons.

It is less resistant to ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters and

aldehydes.

It has high resilience and high wear resistance but only moderate strength.

It has limited weathering resistance.

It can generally be used down to about -30 degree celcius , but special

grades can also operate at lower temperatures.

Applications of Nitrile Rubber

NBR or the nitrile synthetic rubber is considered the workhorse of the rubber products of the automotive and other

industrial units. By selecting an elastomer with the appropriate acrylonitrile content in balance with other properties,

industrial nitrile rubber (NBR) is used in a wide variety of application areas requiring oil, fuel, and chemical resistance. In

the automotive area, NBR is used in water handling applications and in fuel and oil handling hose, seals and grommets.

With a temperature range of 40 to +125 degree celcius, NBR materials can withstand all automotive applications. This

form of synthetic rubber because of its resilience is the perfect material for disposable lab, cleaning, and examination

gloves.

Nitrile Rubber Manufacturers and Suppliers

We have a large database of wholesale nitrile rubber manufacturers and suppliers. Go to the Rubber Goods Suppliers

Directoryand find nitrile synthetic rubber manufacturers and suppliers. You may also fill up this simple business enquiry

form to receive competitive qoutes from reliable Nitrile Rubber Manufacturers and Suppliers.


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Industrial Nitrile Rubber- Uses

The industrial nitrile rubber is used for making variety of goods including:

Roll covers

Hydraulic hoses

Conveyor belting

Graphic arts

Oil field packers

Seals for all kinds of plumbing and appliance applications

Injection or transfer molded products

Extruded hose or tubing

Calendered sheet goods (floor mats and industrial belting)

Various sponge articles


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Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)

Perfluoroelastomers are a type of synthetic rubber having even greater heat and

chemical resistance than the fluoroelastomers. Perfluoroelastomers are widely used as

seals on semiconductor wafer processing equipment. This type of rubber can be used in

extreme conditions up to temperatures around 300 degree celcius or even higher under

special compounding. The basic disadvantages of this rubber are difficult processing,

very high cost, poor physical properties at high temperature, and their high glass

transition temperatures which limit their use at low temperatures. Most materials cannot

be used below zero degree celsius, and even at normal temperatures their creep

properties are likely to be poor.

The commercial application of perfluoroelastomer started in the 1960s. From this early

beginning the use of perfluoroelastomers has increased steadily over the years. Today Perfluoroelastomer seals are

manufactured by a number of companies worldwide. We cater to wholesale supply of perfluoroelastomers (FFKM).

For bulk requirement of perfluoroelastomers rubber, FFKM rubber, FFFM rubber products, FFKM products,

FFKM Synthetic Rubber etc., send us online enquiry and get prompt response from genuine suppliers.Click here

to send enquiry.Properties of Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM)

This rubber has extraordinary resistance to harsh chemicals and heat.

They are enable to withstand virtually any process media, including reactive

plasmas, at temperatures as high as 327C.

In plasma and chemical vapor deposition applications, perfluoroelastomers

can withstand long term exposure in etching, stripping and cleaning

processes.

In wet chemical operations, swelling due to prolonged chemical exposure

and poor elastic recovery are frequent causes of seal failure. These

inadequacies are eliminated in perfluoroelastomers.

The reliability of seals made from perfluoroelastomers leads to reduced

wafer yield losses and lowered frequency of maintenance and operations

disruptions.

To get a better idea on Fluroelastomers, check out our articles

FKM (Fluoroelastomers) for sealing

FFKM Performance and Application


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Polychloroprene Rubber (CR)/ Neoprene

Polychloroprene rubber or neoprene has more than 75 years of proven performance in

varied industrial applications. Neoprene, an extremely useful synthetic rubber, is the

DuPont Performance Elastomer's trade name for a family of polychloroprene rubber

(CR). In other words, polychloroprene is the polymer name for the synthetic rubber

known as neoprene. This rubber was developed in 1931 and supposed to be the first

specialty elastomer. This is one of the most important types of synthetic rubberwith an

annual consumption of nearly 300000 tons worldwide. Polychloroprene rubber has a

perfect balance of mechanical properties and fatigue resistance which is second only to

natural rubber. Neoprene rubber also has superior oil, chemical and heat resistance.

This type of rubber (Polychloroprene rubber or Neoprene) is widely used in general

engineering applications.

Neoprene Rubber Properties / Properties of Polychloroprene (CR)

Neoprene rubber does not has just one outstanding property, but its balance of properties is unique among the other

types of synthetic rubber. The polychloroprene properties can be listed as follows:

Polychloroprene rubber has good mechanical strength.

It is high ozone and weather resistance.

Neoprene also has good aging resistance.

It has low flammability as one of its properties.

It has good chemicals resistance.

Polychloroprene rubber is moderately oil and fuel resistant.

Neoprene rubber properties include its capability of adhesion to many

substrates.

Polychloroprene or neoprene rubber can be vulcanized by using various

accelerator systems over a varied temperature range.

It is less resistant than natural rubber to low temperature stiffening. This

helps in giving improved low temperature resistance. Polychloroprene rubber can also be used easily with mineral oils, greases,

dilute acids and alkalis.

Neoprene Rubber Applications

Neoprene rubber applications are many. This rubber is used in various technical areas, specially in the rubber industry. It

plays a vital role as a raw material for adhesiveswhich can be both -solvent based as well as water based.

Polychloroprene rubber also has different latex applications (such as dipped articles like gloves), molded foam as well as

improvement of bitumen. Neoprene rubber applications are widely spread which include moulded goods, cables,

transmission belts, conveyor belts, profiles etc.

Neoprene Rubber Products

As is clear from the description of neoprene rubber applications, it can be easily understood that polychloroprene rubberis used for making various products. Some of the widely used neoprene rubber products include the following.

Neoprene Gaskets

Neoprene Gloves

Neoprene Sheet

Neoprene Strap

Neoprene Brace

Neoprene Wrap

Neoprene Knee


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Polysulfide Rubber (PSR)

An American chemist known as Joseph Cecil Patrick discovered Polysulfide rubber in

1926 by, while he was attempting to obtain ethylene glycol for use as an antifreeze. This

rubber was commercialized under the trade name Thiokol, which eventually became

generic. This was one of the earliest commercial synthetic polymers and was made by

the reaction of sodium polysulfide with an organic dichloride.

Properties of Polysulfide Rubber (PSR)

This rubber is known for its excellent

resistance to solvents.

It has low temperature flexibility.

It has flex-crack resistance.

It also has oxygen and ozone resistance.

It is resistant to light.

It is impermeable to gases.

Poor tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

Advantages of Polysulfide Rubber

These rubber is very soft, stretchy and long lasting. It is good for making molds with severe undercuts and/or very fine

detail. There are some molds still in production which are more than 40 years old. Unlike other mold rubbers, PSR is not

characterized by sulfur or water based modeling clays. Model preparation is very less. Once cured, these molds are

good for casting wax and gypsum plasters. However, since heat resistance, compression set and mechanical strength

are not very great, polysulfide rubber is recommended for specific applications which cannot be satisfied by any other

elastomer. Temperature range required is -54 degrees to +107 degrees celcius. Polysulfide seals are recommended for

service involving contact with solutions of ketones, ethers and petroleum solvents.

Disadvantages of Polysulfide Rubber

The most common problem of these rubber is that this rubber with lead

curatives has an offensive odor.

Newly built polysulfide molds stain plaster.

Polysulfides have poor abrasion resistance and hence are not good for

casting concrete.

It is not suitable for production casting of resins.

Polysulfides must be mixed accurately by weight with other elastomers or

they will not work.

This rubber is of moderate cost. It is higher than latex and urethanes but

lower than silicones.


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Silicone Rubber (Si Rubber)

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber (or Si Rubber) is the most commonly used synthetic ruuberor polymer.

This rubber has similar bond structure as found in glass, sand and quartz. Silicone

rubber is composed of silicone- which is itself a polymer- together with hydrogen,

carbon, and oxygen. This is a unique synthetic elastomer which is made from a cross-

linked polymer that is reinforced with silica. The characteristic of silicone rubber is such

that it provides the perfect balance of mechanical and chemical properties that is

required in today's most demanding industrial rubber applications.

Properties of Silicone Rubber

All types of silicone rubber compounds possess characteristics of both inorganic and

organic materials. Due to the versatile properties of silicone rubber, it offers a number of advantages that are not found in

other rubbers. Silicone rubbers have fine electrical properties, good chemical stability, flame retardancy, and excellent

resistance to heat and cold.

Properties of Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber has higher heat resistance and chemical stability that help it

in providing better electrical insulation.

It has high elasticity and compressibility as well as excellent resistance to

cold temperatures.

Silicone rubber has resistnace to wide temperature range. It offers excellent

resistance to extreme temperatures, the range of which can be from minus

100F to plus 500F. This rubber can be used indefinitely at 150C that

doesn't lead to any change in the properties of silicone rubber. It can

withstand the temperature of 200C for 10,000 hours or more. Some of the

silicone rubbers can even withstand heat of 350C for short periods.

Silicone rubber has outstanding oil resistance at high temperatures. From

among other common types of synthetic rubbers, nitrile rubber and

chloroprene rubber have somewhat higher oil resistance at temperatures

lower than 100C but at higher temperatures, silicone rubber is superior to

all other rubber types.

Silicone rubber has exceptional weather resistance. Ozone created bycorona discharge does not deteriorate silicone rubber. Thus, silicone rubber

can be exposed to wind, rain and UV rays for longer periods without any

change in its physical properties.


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The tensile strength, tear strength, elongation and compression set of

silicone rubber are far superior to conventional rubbers. The tear strength of

silicone rubber is usually around 9.8 kN/m. Certain high-strength types of

silicone rubbers also come with tear strength between 29.4 kN/m and 49.0

kN/m, achieved through polymer modification and/or judicious selection of

fillers and crosslinkers.

Thermal conductivity of silicone rubber is higher than most of the other

rubbers. Silicone rubber with high thermal conductivity are used to make

products like thermal interface sheets and heating rollers.

Silicone rubber has excellent moisture and steam resistance. It can be

immersed in cold, warm or boiling water for longer periods with water

absorption of about 1%. This doesn't affect its mechanical strength or

electrical properties. When it comes in contact with steam under ordinary

pressure, there is no deterioration of silicone rubber. However, high

pressure steam at temperatures above 150C can cause breakdown of the

siloxane polymer and a decline in the properties of the rubber.

It is metal detectable.

It glows in the dark. Silicone rubber is also electrically conductive.

Apart from being resistant to oil, silicone rubber is also resistant to chemical,

acid and gas.

Silicone rubber is flame retardant and has the property of low smoke

emission.

We cater to wholesale supply of Silicone Rubber. For bulk silicone rubber requirement and for silicone rubber

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Silicone Rubber Applications

This rubber can be extruded into tubes, strips, solid cord or any custom

profiles.

Silicone Rubber can also be moulded into custom designs and shapes.

This form of synthetic rubber is available for making molds that are poured,

brushed or sprayed on to a model.

Suitable for casting low melt metal alloys like lead, tin, pewter.

Also used in the production casting of resins.

Advantages of Silicone Rubber

Due to the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of silicon rubber, its advantages are many.

High and low temperature stability

Inertness, that is no taste or smell

Translucent and easy to color

Wide hardness range

Chemical resistance

Weatherability

Sealing performance

Electrical properties

Compression set resistance


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Disadvantages of Silicone Rubber

Although silicone rubber has many advantages to its many properties, there are certain disadvantages of silicone rubber

too.

Silicone rubber is generally high in cost.

It is sensitive to substances like sulfur clay that may prevent the siliconefrom curing which is known as cure inhibition.

Silicone rubber is usually very thick, having high viscosity.

It must be vacuum degassed before pouring to minimize bubble entrapment.

Forms of Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is available in the following forms:

Compounds: These are ready to use materials which can be pigmented

and catalyzed for your processing equipment and end application.

Bases:These silicone polymers contain a reinforcing filler. The bases can

be further compounded with additives and pigments that produce acompound which meet your color and other fabrication needs.

Liquid silicone rubber (LSR):This rubber system can be pumped into a

suitable injection molding machine which then can be heat cured to produce

molded rubber parts.

Fluorosilicone rubber compounds and bases:They maintain many key

properties of silicone, but also has other characteristics of superior chemical,

fuel, and oil resistance.


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Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is the outcome of synthetic rubber research that took

place in the United States and Europe under the impact of the shortage of natural

rubber during World Wars I and II. In 1929, a German chemist developed a series of

synthetic elastomers by copolymerization of two compounds (styrene and butadiene) in

the presence of a catalyst. The first step involved in the process is to let styrene and

butadiene react together. The new synthetic rubber that was formed consists of about

25% styrene, with butadiene making up the rest, which in principle had the same

properties as natural rubber. These rubber is considered to be the highest volume

general purpose and the most common type of synthetic rubber.

Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber

This type of rubber is usually very weak unless reinforcing fillers are

incorporated. With suitable fillers, this becomes a strong rubber.

It has similar chemical and physical properties like natural rubber.

It has better abrasion resistance.

It has poorer fatigue resistance. Heat resistance is better than natural rubber.

Low temperature flexibility and tensile strength are less than that of natural

rubber.

Applications of Styrene Butadiene Rubber

This is the most widely used synthetic rubber. Demands for rubber increased sharply, when the automobile industry

developed. Many trials were made to produce a artificial or man-made rubber. The first synthetic rubber could not match

natural rubber, but in due course of time 14 other rubber types were developed, having properties comparable with

natural rubber or even better. Styrene-butadiene rubber or SBR, the most common and cheapest type of synthetic

rubber, is as an example of the manufacturing principles. This rubber is used in many of the same products as natural

rubber. SBR is also used to cover different types of hose and in a number of other products. It is used in tyre and tyreproducts which also includes tread rubber and this accounts for 76% of global consumption. Other uses of SBR include

mechanical goods, automotive, miscellaneous, including adhesives, floor tile and shoe soles etc. Adhesives and chewing

gum have also been identified as two growing markets for styrene-butadiene applications.

Documents

Type of Synthetic Rubber