Key Attributes: EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) stands out for its exceptional weather resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications and sealing systems.
- Tensile Strength Range: 500-2,500 PSI (3.45-17.24 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 600%
- Notable Features: Excellent ozone and UV resistance, good chemical compatibility, temperature range of -50°C to 150°C
- Applications: Automotive weatherstripping, roofing membranes, HVAC systems
Key Attributes: Silicone rubber maintains stability across extreme temperature ranges while offering good electrical insulation properties.
- Tensile Strength Range: 200-1,500 PSI (1.38-10.34 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 700%
- Notable Features: Temperature range from -100°C to 250°C, FDA-compliant grades available
- Applications: Medical devices, kitchenware, high-temperature gaskets
Key Attributes: Chloroprene rubber offers a balanced combination of mechanical properties and moderate chemical resistance.
- Tensile Strength Range: 500-3,000 PSI (3.45-20.68 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 600%
- Notable Features: Good weather and flame resistance, moderate oil resistance
- Applications: Wetsuits, industrial hoses, vibration mounts
Key Attributes: NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) excels in petroleum-based fluid environments with excellent abrasion resistance.
- Tensile Strength Range: 200-3,000 PSI (1.38-20.68 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 600%
- Notable Features: Oil/fuel resistance increases with acrylonitrile content
- Applications: Fuel system components, oil seals, hydraulic hoses
Key Attributes: FKM (Fluoroelastomer) delivers unmatched performance in aggressive chemical and high-temperature environments.
- Tensile Strength Range: 500-2,000 PSI (3.45-13.79 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Approximately 300%
- Notable Features: Continuous service up to 250°C, exceptional chemical resistance
- Applications: Aerospace seals, chemical processing equipment
Key Attributes: Natural rubber offers outstanding elasticity and fatigue resistance with high tensile strength potential.
- Tensile Strength Range: 500-3,500 PSI (3.45-24.13 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 700%
- Notable Features: Excellent dynamic properties, low heat buildup
- Applications: Tires, anti-vibration components, elastic products
Key Attributes: IIR (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber) provides superior impermeability to gases and good damping characteristics.
- Tensile Strength Range: 500-2,500 PSI (3.45-17.24 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 600%
- Notable Features: Lowest gas permeability among rubbers
- Applications: Tire inner liners, pharmaceutical stoppers
Key Attributes: Polyvinyl Chloride offers excellent cost-performance ratio with good chemical resistance.
- Tensile Strength: 377 PSI (2.60 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 400%
- Notable Features: Can be rigid or flexible, good electrical insulation
- Applications: Pipes, wire insulation, medical tubing
Key Attributes: Thermoplastic Elastomers combine rubber-like properties with plastic processing advantages.
- Tensile Strength Range: 500-2,500 PSI (3.45-17.24 MPa)
- Maximum Elongation: Up to 600%
- Notable Features: Recyclable, soft-touch feel, design flexibility
- Applications: Consumer products, automotive components
When selecting materials for precision components, consider these critical factors beyond tensile strength:
- Environmental Conditions: Temperature extremes, UV exposure, chemical contact
- Dynamic Requirements: Vibration damping, impact resistance
- Manufacturing Considerations: Processing methods, tooling costs
- Regulatory Compliance: Food contact, medical, or automotive standards
- Lifecycle Costs: Initial material cost vs. long-term performance
