Material guide: How to choose the right rubber material for your application
Choosing the right rubber material can be the difference between your solution working flawlessly for many years or soon facing leaks, cracks or premature wear. In this guide, we look at common types of rubber, their strengths and limitations, and the factors you should consider when choosing materials for seals, gaskets, hoses or other equipment. Read on for practical guidance and to avoid costly mistakes.
NB: This guide provides general guidelines for the selection of rubber materials. The right choice of material always depends on your specific application and its requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us at Colly Flowtech for support, we will be happy to help you find the most optimal solution.
EPDM rubber
What is EPDM rubber?
EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) rubber is a modern rubber compound widely used in industry thanks to its combination of durability and versatility. It is particularly appreciated in environments where the material is exposed to weather, water or chemicals.
What are the properties of EPDM rubber?
What makes EPDM unique is its high resistance to weathering, diluted acids and bases, and polar liquids such as water. The material maintains its properties even in extreme temperatures, from around -40°C to +120°C, and also has very good insulating properties.
Thanks to these properties, EPDM is widely used in gaskets, seals, construction and automotive components, where age and weather resistance are essential for long life and safe operation.
Neoprene rubber (CR)
What is neoprene rubber?
Neoprene is a material that many people associate with, for example, diving suits, but Neoprene is actually a trademark of DuPont. The actual material name is chloroprene rubber (CR). Neoprene can be produced in both soft and hard varieties, which means it is used in a wide range of industries from protective equipment to technical components.
What are the properties of neoprene rubber?
Neoprene is an all-round material that combines several good properties. It is relatively age-resistant, has good mechanical properties and resists oils, greases, weathering and diluted acids and bases. An additional advantage is that neoprene is easy to glue, which is not always the case with other rubber materials.
Working temperatures range from -25°C to +100°C, making neoprene useful in many applications. Common uses include gaskets, shims and seals where both weather and oil resistance are required. In piping systems for welding, neoprene is also appreciated for its self-extinguishing ability and reliable all-round performance.
- See our range of hoses made from neoprene rubber
- See our range of rubber products made from neoprene rubber
Styrene rubber (SBR)
What is styrene rubber (SBR)?
Styrene rubber, or SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber), is one of the most widely used synthetic rubber materials in the world. The quality can vary greatly: high-quality SBR is often blended with natural rubber to create durable products, while simpler variants are used in cheaper solutions where requirements are low.
What are the properties of styrene rubber?
SBR offers some weather resistance, but its properties differ depending on the manufacturing quality. One advantage is that it retains flexibility in the cold, thanks to added plasticizers. At the same time, these plasticizers mean that SBR can be more difficult to bond over time. Otherwise, SBR lacks strong distinguishing characteristics, which means it is mainly used when cost is a more important factor than performance.
The working temperature of SBR is between -25°C and +70°C. Common applications are as shims or gaskets where there are no special requirements from the customer and where the most economical solution is prioritized.
- See our range of hoses made from styrene rubber
- See our range of rubber products made from styrene rubber
Natural rubber (NR)
What is natural rubber (NR)?
Natural rubber, often abbreviated as NR, is a classic rubber material extracted from latex in rubber trees. It is known for its excellent strength, elasticity and wear resistance, making it one of the most versatile rubber materials for technical applications.
What are the properties of natural rubber?
Natural rubber is particularly appreciated because it retains its flexibility even at low temperatures and has good resistance to weak acids and alkalis. However, it has limited resistance to heat, oil and weathering, which can affect its lifespan in some environments. The waxed surface can also make natural rubber more difficult to bond compared to other materials.
The working temperature of natural rubber is between -40 °C and +70 °C. Common applications are as vibration dampers and wear protection, where the material's durability and elasticity come into their own.
- See our range of hoses made from natural rubber
- See our range of rubber products made from natural rubber
Butyl rubber (IIR)
What is butyl rubber?
Butyl rubber, abbreviated IIR (isobutylene-isoprene rubber), is a synthetic rubber type often compared to EPDM rubber. It is used in many industries due to its combination of chemical resistance, temperature resistance and unique gas-tight properties.
What are the properties of butyl rubber?
The main characteristic of butyl rubber is its low gas permeability, which makes it a very dense material. Compared to EPDM, it offers both better chemical resistance and higher temperature resistance - the working temperature ranges from -40°C to +130°C. In addition, butyl rubber is easy to bond, which simplifies assembly and further processing.
Thanks to these properties, butyl rubber is used in applications where high demands are placed on gas tightness and adhesion. Common examples include seals, gaskets and components that must function in environments with gases or chemicals.
Viton ® (FKM)
What is Viton (FKM)?
Viton is the trade name for Fluoroethylene Propylene Rubber (FKM), a high-performance fluoroelastomer developed for use in extreme environments. It is particularly known for its exceptional heat and chemical resistance, making it one of the most advanced rubber materials on the market.
What are the characteristics of Viton (FKM)?
Viton can withstand temperatures from -20°C to +250°C, making it one of the most heat-resistant rubber materials available. It also has very high resistance to oil, gasoline, chemicals, water and weathering, and is virtually unaffected by ozone.
However, Viton is less suited to cold environments, as it performs less well at low temperatures. Another challenge is that the material is difficult to bond due to its fluorine properties, which means it is most often used in applications where bonding is not required.
Viton is widely used for gaskets and seals in demanding industrial environments, such as the oil and gas, aerospace and chemical industries. It is also used in medical applications, as it is sterilizable and resistant to aggressive chemicals.
Hypalon ®
What is Hypalon?
Hypalon is a synthetic rubber type characterized by its very high resistance to chemicals, water, ozone and UV radiation. It was developed to be used in demanding environments where many other rubber materials fall short. Its properties are similar to neoprene rubber (CR), but Hypalon offers even better chemical resistance.
What are the properties of Hypalon?
Hypalon can withstand temperatures from -35°C to +125°C, making it a heat-resistant and versatile material. It is also easy to bond, which facilitates assembly in various applications. At the same time, Hypalon has a lower mechanical strength compared to several other rubber types, including CR rubber, which may limit its use in some applications.
Despite this, Hypalon is often chosen when chemical and thermal resistance is more important than mechanical strength. Common applications include gaskets, seals and coatings in extreme environments where the materials must deliver reliable performance for a long time.
Polyurethane (PU)
What is polyurethane (PU)?
Polyurethane is a polymer characterized by the highest mechanical strength, wear resistance and tear resistance among many rubber materials. It is therefore particularly popular in applications where durability and longevity are essential.
What are the properties of polyurethane (PU)?
Polyurethane has very good resistance to oils and weathering, making it well suited to both industrial and outdoor environments. The working temperature range is between -40°C and +100°C, making it useful in many different applications.
Common applications are where durability is required, for example in coatings, wear protection, springs, wheels and seals. Thanks to its versatility, polyurethane is often used as the first choice in applications where the material must withstand severe mechanical stress over time.
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