what is
rubber?
There are four broad groups that this product is typically derived from. These groups are: recycled rubber, reclaimed rubber, synthetic rubber, and natural rubber.
Recycled rubber is primarily made from recycled tire crumb that has been put back together using an adhesive. This is not to be confused with reclaimed rubber, which is also made from recycled tires and other discarded parts.
Reclaimed rubber is de-vulcanized, which goes through vulcanization again to form a sheet rubber.
Synthetic rubber is the most common form, and includes many chemically produced rubbers such as neoprene, EPDM, Nitrile, Santoprene and Silicone.
Natural rubber comes direct from the rubber plant and is used for specific applications.
About Rubber materials
Rubber Types
There are several types of rubber materials:
Neoprene Rubber
One of the more versatile rubbers, and the first synthetic, neoprenes are commonly found in gaskets, matting, belts and seals. Neoprene is resistant to corrosion and can handle a wide variety of temperatures. It is the most common rubber we work with.
Silicone Rubber:
Silicones have excellent biocompatibility and are highly resistant to heat and chemicals. Their inert nature makes them very safe for skin contact and their toughness makes them ideal for harsh environments. They are UV, ozone and fire resistant. They are typically the most expensive type of standard rubber.
EPDM Rubber:
EPDM rubber is known for durability. It is commonly used for tires, outdoor surfaces, engine hoses and seals. It has excellent thermal properties and can handle harsh outdoor environments for several years. Masticated Rubber is a recycled EPDM.
Urethane Rubber:
Although in the rubber family, urethanes and polyurethanes are harder and heavier than most other rubbers and fill the gap between rubber and plastic. They are frequently used when a harder rubber is needed, often for impact resistance or load bearing.
Natural Rubber:
Taken directly from the rubber tree, natural (or gum) rubber is often used in gloves, seals, adhesives and flooring. It is rubber in its purest sense, and has excellent tear and abrasion resistance.
Nitrile (Buna-N) Rubber:
Stiffer than silicone, but softer than EPDM, with better abrasion and pressure resistance than most other rubbers, nitrile is often used in engine parts, o-rings and surgical gloves due to its non-allergenic properties.
Blends:
Although most synthetic rubbers are blends, there are those that are made from 3-4 different rubbers. SBR, Viton, and Santoprene are examples of blends that have specific uses.
Rubbers are classified by the amount of hardness/spring that exists, based on some industry tests. The following chart is a good indicator of the durometer of basic rubbers:
rubbers
durometer (hardness)
Rubbers are classified by the amount of hardness/spring that exists, based on some industry tests. The following chart is a good indicator of the durometer of basic rubbers:
Rubber Applications
Example 1
Gasket
Example 2
trim and moulding
Example 3
Matting
Other applications
of this material include:
Frequently Asked
questions
We can help! We have extensive experience with the properties of different rubbers and can assist you in choosing what will work best based on your application.
We can help! Since we stock so many types, we can usually cut off just what you need from a master roll or sheet, and sell you a small amount.