Physical Properties

Tensile strength

It is the maximum stress that the rubber can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking. Tensile strength is extremely important in applications with high physical applications such as tyres/conveyor belts but is less relevant for products like gaskets/bushes.

Elongation @ Break

It is the maximum deformation/stretching that the rubber can withstand while being pulled before breaking. Elongation is extremely important in applications like bushes and tubing

Hardness range / Durometer

Hardness is defined as a material's resistance to indentation. The more the hardness of a component, the less it will deform under pressure, stress. Generally, increase in hardness results in increase in tensile strength, decrease in elongation, and increase in compression set. With regards to the best combination of physical properties, the "sweet spot" is regarded at around 60 Shore A.

Compression set at room and operating temperatures

This is possibly the most important property for Gaskets, Seals, O-Rings. Compression set is defined as the permanent deformation remaining after release of a compressive stress. It is expressed as the percentage of set with respect to the original specimen thickness. The lower the compression set, the better. Gaskets/Seals with high compression set cause loss in sealing pressure over time and hence failures/ leakages.

Aging in sunlight, ozone, heat, storage, etc.

This is possibly the most important property for Gaskets, Seals, O-Rings. Compression set is defined as the permanent deformation remaining after release of a compressive stress. It is expressed as the percentage of set with respect to the original specimen thickness. The lower the compression set, the better. Gaskets/Seals with high compression set cause loss in sealing pressure over time and hence failures/ leakages.

Resistance Properties:

 Reaction to acids or caustics

 Reaction to Oils

 Hydrocarbon solvents

 Oxygenated solvents

 Flame or temperature extremes

 Tearing

 Abrasion

It's important to know which physical, mechanical and chemical resistance properties are required. It's also important that a material is compounded and tested to meet any necessary industrial specifications such as UL, ASTM, IS, BS, SAE, FDA, NSF International Standards. Listed below are brief summaries of the properties of seven of the most versatile elastomers, and the physical/chemical resistance comparison charts for the seven elastomer materials. These lists are by no means all-inclusive. However, a majority of sealing, gasketing and weather stripping needs can be met using these popular materials. Information is available about a more complete list of elastomers, including exotic and high-tech materials, and can be provided on request.

Silicone (Polysiloxane) features excellent resistance to ozone, sunlight and oxidation, and is very colour stable. It also maintains excellent flexibility at low temperatures, has outstanding resistance to high heat, has low compression set and is a very good electrical insulator. However, it is not recommended for applications that require abrasion resistance, tear and cut growth resistance and high tensile strength. Nor is it recommended for resistance to oil, gasoline, solvents, alkalis and acids.

EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) is well known for its excellent ozone, weathering and aging resistance. It also has excellent water and steam resistance, maintains its flexibility at low temperatures, features excellent resistance to alkalis, acids and oxygenated solvents. It is not recommended for resistance to oil, gasoline and hydrocarbon solvents. EPDM is found in a wide range of applications and is excellent for outdoor use.

Nitrile (Acrylonitrile-butadiene) has very good oil, gasoline and abrasion resistance. Its resistance to alkalis and acids increases as the nitrile content of the compound increases. Nitrile must be specially compounded for resistanceto ozone, sunlight and natural aging. It has poor resistance to oxygenated solvents. Nitrile is superior to neoprene in oil and solvent resistance, but is not recommended for applications where it is exposed to severe weathering.

Viton (Fluoroelastomer) provides premium performance and long-term reliability in very harsh and corrosive environments. Their exceptional resistance to heat aging and a broad range of fuels, solvents and chemicals makes them ideal for many demanding aerospace, automotive and industrial applications. Fluoroelastomers also offer excellent resistance to weather, ozone, oxygen and sunlight, and are inherently more flame retardant than hydrocarbon rubbers. Fluoroelastomers have poor resistance to ketones, esters, ethers, amines and aqueous bases (e.g., ammonia and sodium hydroxide).

SBR (Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber) has excellent impact strength, good resilience, tensile strength, abrasion resistance and maintains flexibility at lower temperatures. It is not the elastomer of choice where resistance to oil, gasoline and hydrocarbon solvents is required. SBR materials are also not suitable for exposure to the outside elements such as UV and ozone. Typical uses of SBR have been in tyre treads, conveyor belt covers, mats and even shoe soles.

Neoprene (Polychloroprene) has moderate resistance to oils and gasoline.It features good flame resistance, weathers well and has very good resistance to abrasion, flex cracking, alkalis and acids. However, expect poor resistance to aromatic and oxygenated solvents and limited flexibility at low temperatures. Neoprene is generally considered an excellent all-purpose elastomer with a solid balance of properties and few limitations.

Natural Rubber (Polyisoprene) as the name suggests is the only naturally occurring elastomer. It has excellent impact strength, resilience, tensile strength, abrasion resistance and tear resistance. It is not recommended for applications where resistance to oil, gasoline and hydrocarbon solvents is required. Natural Rubber, due to its high level of un-saturation, is not suitable for high temperature applications and exposure to the outside elements such as UV and ozone. Natural Rubber is usually used for applications where the highest physical properties are required, i.e. tyres, conveyor belts, etc.