Rubber Materials & Elastomers

Chloroprene Rubber (CR), also known as chlorobutadiene rubber, is an important diene-based elastomer.

The chlorine in the polymer reduces the reactivity to many oxidizing agents and thus improves its chemical resistance. Due to its low reactivity, it displays good resistance to ozone cracking, heat ageing and chemical attack. For example, it has good resistance to many chlorofluorocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils, greases and ozone, but only moderate or poor resistance to acids, solvents, and fuels.

Its mechanical properties are generally inferior to those of natural rubber, but it has superior chemical resistance.

EPDM is an M-Class rubber under ASTM standard D-1418; the M class comprises elastomers having a saturated chain of the polyethylene type (the M deriving from the more correct term polymethylene).

EPDM is derived from polyethylene into which 45-85 wt% of propylene have been copolymerised to reduce the formation of the typical polyethylene crystallinity.

As with most rubbers, EPDM is always used compounded with fillers such as carbon black and calcium carbonate, with plasticisers such as paraffinic oils, and has useful rubbery properties only when cross-linked.

Natural rubber, also called by other names of India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, caucho or caoutchouc, as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds, plus water. Thailand and Indonesia are two of the leading rubber producers. Types of polyisoprene that are used as natural rubbers are classified as elastomers.

Natural rubber is used extensively in many applications and products, either alone or in combination with other materials. In most of its useful forms, it has a large stretch ratio and high resilience, and is extremely waterproof.

ENS rubber also known Elastomer Non Stain rubber, is a synthetic and natural rubber co-polymer. ENS rubber is formulated for rubber foot application as well as excellent skid resistance, non migration / marking, anti vibration and long ageing resiliency.

Butyl rubber, sometimes just called “butyl”, is a synthetic rubber, a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene. The abbreviation IIR stands for isobutylene isoprene rubber.

Polyisobutylene, also known as “PIB” or polyisobutene, (C4H8)n, is the homopolymer of isobutylene, or 2-methyl-1-propene, on which butyl rubber is based. Butyl rubber is produced by polymerization of about 98% of isobutylene with about 2% of isoprene.

Structurally, polyisobutylene resembles polypropylene, but has two methyl groups substituted on every other carbon atom, rather than one. Polyisobutylene is a colourless to light yellow viscoelastic material. It is generally odourless and tasteless, though it may exhibit a slight characteristic odour.

Silicone rubber is an elastomer (rubber-like material) composed of silicone itself a polymer, containing silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Silicone rubbers are widely used in industry, and there are multiple formulations. Silicone rubber is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures from −55 to 300 °C (−67 to 572 °F) while still maintaining its useful properties.

Due to these properties and its ease of manufacturing and shaping, silicone rubber can be found in a wide variety of products, including: voltage line insulators, automotive applications; cooking, baking, and food storage products; apparel such as undergarments, sportswear, and footwear; electronics; medical devices and implants, and in home repair and hardware with products such as silicone sealants.

Butadiene rubber, synthetic rubber widely employed in tire treads for trucks and automobiles. It consists of polybutadiene, an elastomer (elastic polymer) built up by chemically linking multiple molecules of butadiene to form giant molecules, or polymers. The polymer is noted for its high resistance to abrasion, low heat build-up, and resistance to cracking.

Styrene-butadiene or styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) describe families of synthetic rubbers derived from styrene and butadiene (the version developed by Goodyear is called Neolite).

These materials have good abrasion resistance and good ageing stability when protected by additives. In 2012, more than 5.4 million tonnes of SBR were processed worldwide. About 50% of car tires are made from various types of SBR.

The styrene/butadiene ratio influences the properties of the polymer: with high styrene content, the rubbers are harder and less rubbery. SBR is not to be confused with the thermoplastic elastomer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, although being derived from the same monomers.

Fluorkautschukmaterial (FKM) is a synthetic rubber which has excellent resistance to heat, chemicals and oil. It is characterised by a high level of fluorine content, which gives it superior performance in harsh environments. FKM is mostly used in applications such as gasket, seals and O-Ring in the automotive, aerospace and chemical processing industries due to its durability and resilience under extreme conditions.

Non Skid Rubber (NSR) is a specialised type of rubber designed to provide enhanced traction and prevent slipping on surfaces. It features a textured surface that increases grip, making it ideal for applications in area where safety is a concern, such as flooring, mats, and safety footwear. NSR is often used in industrial settings, gyms and outdoor environments due to its durability and resistance to wear, moisture and chemicals.

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadience Rubber (HNBR) is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging. It is a modified version of Nitrile Butadience Rubber (NBR) with improved durability and performance, particularly in harsh environments. HNBR is commonly used in seals, gaskets and O-Rings, especially in automotive and industrial applications, due to its high tensile strength and flexibility. Its resistance to oil, fuels and ozone makes it suitable for applications in sectors such as oil and gas, automotive, and aerospace.