Rubber sheeting
Rubber sheeting
Selecting the correct rubber material is essential for achieving optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Different rubber compounds are designed to withstand specific environmental conditions such as weather exposure, oils, chemicals, abrasion, and extreme temperatures. Check our guide at the bottom for selecting the right rubber quality.Rubber sheeting
Selecting the correct rubber material is essential for achieving optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Different rubber compounds are designed to withstand specific environmental conditions such as weather exposure, oils, chemicals, abrasion, and extreme temperatures. Check our guide at the bottom for selecting the right rubber quality.Rubber Material Comparison Guide
Selecting the correct rubber material is essential for achieving optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Different rubber compounds are designed to withstand specific environmental conditions such as weather exposure, oils, chemicals, abrasion, and extreme temperatures.
This guide compares the most commonly used rubber materials: Natural Rubber (NR/Para), SBR, NBR (Nitrile), EPDM, Neoprene (CR), Silicone, and Viton® (FKM).
Rubber Material Comparison Table
| Property | Natural Rubber (NR / Para) | SBR | NBR (Nitrile) | EPDM | Neoprene (CR) | Silicone | Viton® (FKM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Good |
| Tensile Strength | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Elasticity | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Weather & UV Resistance | Poor | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ozone Resistance | Poor | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water Resistance | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Good |
| Oil & Fuel Resistance | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Moderate | Fair | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +80°C | -20°C to +70°C | -30°C to +100°C | -40°C to +120°C | -30°C to +100°C | -60°C to +230°C | -20°C to +250°C |
| Food Contact Grades Available | Limited | No | Yes | Limited | No | Yes | Limited |
| Relative Cost | Low | Low | Medium | Low to Medium | Medium | Medium to High | High |
Natural Rubber (NR / Para Rubber)
Natural Rubber, also known as Para Rubber, is renowned for its exceptional elasticity, resilience, and abrasion resistance. It performs particularly well in dynamic applications involving repeated movement, impact, or wear.
Typical Applications
- Conveyor belts
- Wear strips
- Scraper blades
- Chute linings
- Dock bumpers
- Mining equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Anti-vibration pads
Main Advantages
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Outstanding elasticity
- High tensile strength
- Excellent impact resistance
- Cost-effective solution
SBR Rubber
SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers. It provides excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength at an economical price.
Typical Applications
- General-purpose gaskets
- Flooring and matting
- Protective strips
- Industrial seals
- Workshop flooring
Main Advantages
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good mechanical properties
- Economical material
- Suitable for general industrial use
NBR Rubber (Nitrile Rubber)
NBR rubber is specifically designed for applications involving oils, fuels, lubricants, and greases. It is widely used in automotive, engineering, and industrial environments.
Typical Applications
- Oil-resistant gaskets
- Fuel system seals
- Hydraulic seals
- Workshop flooring
- Oil-resistant matting
- Industrial hoses
Main Advantages
- Excellent oil resistance
- Excellent fuel resistance
- Good mechanical properties
- Good abrasion resistance
EPDM Rubber
EPDM is the preferred material for outdoor applications due to its excellent resistance to UV radiation, ozone, weathering, water, and steam.
Typical Applications
- Window and door seals
- Roofing membranes
- Outdoor gaskets
- HVAC systems
- Pond liners
- Marine applications
Main Advantages
- Outstanding weather resistance
- Excellent UV resistance
- Excellent ozone resistance
- Excellent water resistance
- Long outdoor service life
Neoprene Rubber (CR)
Neoprene offers a balanced combination of weather resistance, moderate oil resistance, and mechanical strength. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor industrial applications.
Typical Applications
- Industrial gaskets
- Marine seals
- Vibration damping pads
- Electrical insulation components
- Protective sleeves
Main Advantages
- Good weather resistance
- Moderate oil resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- Good mechanical properties
Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is widely used where extreme temperatures, food safety, or flexibility are required. It remains flexible at very low and very high temperatures.
Typical Applications
- Food processing equipment
- Medical devices
- Bakery oven seals
- LED lighting seals
- Electrical insulation
- Pharmaceutical equipment
Main Advantages
- Excellent temperature resistance
- Excellent flexibility
- Food-grade options available
- Excellent UV resistance
- Excellent ozone resistance
Viton® Rubber (FKM)
Viton® is a premium fluoroelastomer developed for demanding environments involving aggressive chemicals, fuels, oils, solvents, and elevated temperatures.
Typical Applications
- Chemical processing equipment
- Fuel systems
- Automotive engine seals
- Aerospace components
- Oil and gas industry
- High-performance gaskets
Main Advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Outstanding oil resistance
- Outstanding fuel resistance
- Excellent high-temperature resistance
- Excellent ageing properties
Quick Material Selection Guide
| If You Need... | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Lowest Cost Solution | SBR Rubber |
| Highest Abrasion Resistance | Natural Rubber (NR) |
| Outdoor Weather Resistance | EPDM Rubber |
| Oil and Fuel Resistance | NBR Rubber |
| Marine Applications | Neoprene Rubber |
| Food Grade Applications | Silicone Rubber |
| Extreme Temperatures | Silicone Rubber |
| Chemicals, Fuels and Solvents | Viton® Rubber |
| Highest Overall Chemical Resistance | Viton® Rubber |
This rubber comparison guide helps engineers, buyers, maintenance professionals, and designers select the most suitable rubber material based on environmental conditions, chemical exposure, temperature requirements, and budget.
