What is rubber sheeting?

Rubber sheeting is a flat, flexible material made from vulcanized rubber or a synthetic rubber compound. It is available in a wide range of thicknesses, widths, and lengths, and it can also be cut, shaped, and bonded.

Two main types of rubber: natural rubber and synthetic rubber

• Natural rubber sheets are made from latex, a milky substance extracted from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Natural rubber is known for its elasticity, resilience, and good resistance to heat and certain chemicals.
• Synthetic rubber sheets are made from petrochemical monomers such as styrene and butadiene, which undergo chemical reactions to form polymers similar to natural polyisoprene. They are generally more durable and more resistant to oils and chemicals than natural rubber. Different synthetic rubbers offer specific properties depending on the intended application.

Whether natural or synthetic, rubber is typically blended with additives such as vulcanizing agents, fillers (e.g., carbon black), plasticizers, and stabilizers to improve physical performance, heat resistance, durability, and other application-specific characteristics.

Rubber manufacturing process

The exact process can vary depending on the rubber type and quality, but the main steps are typically:
• Compounding
• Mixing
• Forming
• Vulcanization

The first step is compounding (formulation), which involves adding chemicals to the rubber base. These help stabilize the polymers and improve rubber strength and performance.

The second step is mixing the additives. This is usually done in two phases to improve dispersion and prevent excessive temperature rise. First, fillers such as carbon black are incorporated. After cooling, the chemicals required for vulcanization are added.

The third step is forming, where rubber takes its final shape before the last stage. Common forming methods include coating, extrusion, molding, and calendering.

Vulcanization is the final stage of rubber production. In the past, it could take up to five hours. With modern technology, vulcanization can often be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. This process converts raw rubber into vulcanized rubber, making it stronger, more elastic, and more durable.

The process involves heating rubber with sulfur, an accelerator, and an activator. These chemicals create cross-links between long rubber molecules, giving the material its improved properties.

Rubber sheets are flexible and vulcanized to a uniform thickness. They are widely used for gaskets and seals, anti-slip mats, anti-vibration pads, oil- and heat-resistant pads, electrical and thermal insulation, lining of corrosive metal surfaces, and more.

What types of rubber are available?

There are many rubber grades, each with its own strengths and limitations. Choosing the right rubber depends on your application, environment, and performance requirements.

First, EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is one of the most versatile rubber types and can be used for many applications (HVAC, automotive, etc.). This monomer blend provides strong resistance to aggressive chemicals, abrasion, and impact. EPDM is especially known for its excellent long-term durability and can withstand temperatures from -30 °C to +130 °C without significant deterioration.

There is also Neoprene rubber, also known as polychloroprene, a synthetic material developed to replace natural rubber. Its weather resistance, ozone resistance, chemical resistance, waterproof performance, and flexibility make it a highly popular elastomer. Common applications include hoses, seals, sportswear, boots, and gloves. Typical temperature resistance ranges from -20 °C to +90 °C.

SBR rubber (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is the oldest synthetic rubber and one of the most widely used worldwide. It offers very good resistance to wear, aging, and weathering. SBR rubber sheeting is ideal for agriculture, construction, and sports applications such as roofing, sealing strips, tiles and mats, and irrigation hoses.

Nitrile rubber, also known as NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), is a copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene (BD). It is a popular choice for applications requiring oil and fuel resistance, good mechanical properties, and weather resistance. It is also widely used for O-rings and industrial sealing solutions.

FDA rubber complies with Food and Drug Administration requirements and must meet strict standards to help ensure consumer safety. It offers excellent resistance to oils and fats (no swelling, softening, or degradation when exposed). Depending on the grade (EPDM or other), extreme temperature resistance can range from -30 °C to +110 °C.

FKM rubber is a fluoroelastomer known for outstanding chemical resistance and high-temperature performance, making it a trusted solution for demanding industries that require reliability and efficiency.

Finally, Silicone rubber is a high-performance elastomer with an unusual combination of properties: excellent resistance to extreme temperatures (-60 °C to +220 °C), durability, electrical insulation, and transparency. It is biocompatible, inert, and non-toxic, and it can therefore be FDA certified.

How to choose the right rubber type

Each rubber grade has different characteristics designed for specific needs. Here are examples by industry to help you choose the right rubber sheeting.

• Automotive: tires, seals, belts, hoses, sealing parts. EPDM offers strong weather and chemical resistance; SBR is elastic and abrasion-resistant. Silicone and nitrile may also be suitable depending on the application.
• Construction: seals, hoses, waterproofing membranes. EPDM is commonly used for membranes (weather/chemical resistance). NBR is used for elastic, abrasion-resistant sealing components.
• Electrical: cables, seals, appliance parts. Rubber materials must resist heat and chemicals. NBR and silicone are often used.
• Agriculture: irrigation hoses, seed drills, equipment parts. SBR is widely used due to weather/chemical resistance and cost efficiency.
• Food industry: seals, hoses, mats, containers. Materials must comply with hygiene standards (nitrile, silicone, and other FDA-compatible grades).

Many other sectors also rely on rubber sheeting, such as sports equipment (SBR) and the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical industries (FDA).

Your rubber sheeting at VR Trade

VR Trade offers a wide range of rubber sheeting in many dimensions, including EPDM, Neoprene, Nitrile, SBR, Silicone, FDA, FKM, and many more.