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 rubber is 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(styrenebutadiene-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 rubber where there is only one chemical type, there are
approximately 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

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

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 Good
Fair 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 Resistance
Radiation Resistance
Steam Resistance
Sunlight Resistance
Taste Retention
Weather Resistance
Water Resistance

Good
Poor
Good to Excellent
Fair to Good
Good to Excellent
Excellent
Poor to Good
Poor
Good to Excellent
Fair to Good
Excellent
Excellent

Source:
www.robinsonrubber.com/pdfs/PolyacrylateAcrylicRubber.pdf

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, availability and unique properties.

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.

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 covers
for portable water reservoirs etc.

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 coating shoe
soles, flexible tubes, flexible magnetic binders, and a host of protective and
decorative coatings

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 Rubber

There 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

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 rubber
polymers. 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.

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 fluoroelastomerFKM 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 worldwide
ISO 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 than
standard 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, Valve
liners, Roll covers, Sheet stock/cut gaskets etc.

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.

Isoprene Rubber (IR)

Isoprene Rubber (IR)
The isoprene rubber (or IR rubber) is very much like natural rubber but 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 the
more 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.

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile Rubber Sheets
Nitrile Rubber is a synthetic rubber produced 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 NBR is 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 types having 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 rubber has 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 aliphatic 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
Directory and 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.

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

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

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 rubber with 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 adhesives which 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 rubber
is 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

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.

Silicone Rubber (Si Rubber)

Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber (or Si Rubber) is the most commonly used synthetic ruuber or 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 crosslinked 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 by

corona 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.

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.

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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

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 silicone
from 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 a
compound 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.

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 tyre
products 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.