Elastomers
| Rubber Type | Chemical Name | Continuous Use Temp (°C) | Extreme Temp Limits (°C) | Key Properties | Advantages | Limitations | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber (NR) | Polyisoprene | -50 to +85 | -60 to +100 | High tensile strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance | High resilience, good dynamic properties | Poor oil & ozone resistance, degrades with heat & UV | Tires, conveyor belts, packer cups, vibration mounts |
| Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) | Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer | -50 to +100 | -60 to +110 | Good abrasion resistance, moderate heat & aging resistance | Low cost, good processability | Poor ozone & oil resistance, low resilience | Tires, footwear, seals, hoses, packer cups |
| Nitrile Rubber (NBR) | Acrylonitrile-Butadiene | -30 to +120 | -40 to +140 | Excellent oil & fuel resistance, good tensile strength | Good wear resistance, low gas permeability | Poor ozone & UV resistance, hardens with aging | Oil seals, fuel hoses, packer cups, gaskets |
| Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) | Hydrogenated Acrylonitrile-Butadiene | -40 to +150 | -50 to +165 | Superior oil, heat, and chemical resistance | Excellent mechanical properties, longer lifespan | Expensive, limited low-temp flexibility | Automotive belts, seals, O-rings, packer cups |
| Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) | EPDM Terpolymer | -50 to +150 | -60 to +180 | Excellent weather, ozone & heat resistance, good water resistance | Good electrical insulation, flexible at low temps | Poor oil & fuel resistance | Automotive seals, roofing, hoses, gaskets |
| Chloroprene (CR, Neoprene) | Polychloroprene | -40 to +110 | -50 to +125 | Moderate oil & chemical resistance, good weathering | Flame resistance, good mechanical properties | Limited fuel & aromatic resistance | Gaskets, hoses, wetsuits, industrial belting |
| Fluoroelastomer (FKM, Viton®) | Fluorocarbon Rubber | -20 to +250 | -30 to +300 | Excellent heat, chemical & fuel resistance | Good compression set, high-temperature stability | Expensive, poor low-temp flexibility | Aerospace seals, fuel system seals, O-rings |
| Silicone Rubber (VMQ) | Polysiloxane | -60 to +230 | -80 to +250 | Excellent high & low temp resistance, good weathering | Biocompatible, excellent electrical insulation | Low tear strength, poor abrasion resistance | Medical seals, automotive gaskets, food-grade applications |
| Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) | Fluorinated Polysiloxane | -60 to +230 | -80 to +250 | Improved chemical resistance over silicone | Good fuel & solvent resistance | More expensive than silicone, lower mechanical strength | Aerospace fuel seals, high-temp gaskets |
| Polyurethane Rubber (PU) | Urethane Polymer | -30 to +80 | -40 to +100 | Excellent abrasion resistance, high load-bearing | High strength, oil & chemical resistant | Poor UV & ozone resistance, stiff | Industrial wheels, rollers, seals, packer cups |
| Butyl Rubber (IIR) | Isobutylene-Isoprene | -55 to +120 | -60 to +130 | Excellent gas impermeability, good chemical resistance | High damping, good aging resistance | Poor oil & fuel resistance, low resilience | Inner tubes, pharmaceutical stoppers, damping sheets |
| Hypalon (CSM) | Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene | -40 to +135 | -50 to +150 | Excellent ozone, chemical & weather resistance | Flame retardant, high durability | Expensive, poor oil resistance | Coatings, hoses, roofing membranes |
| Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO) | Epichlorohydrin Copolymer | -40 to +140 | -50 to +155 | Good oil & fuel resistance, low gas permeability | Good low-temperature flexibility | Limited chemical resistance | Automotive fuel hoses, gaskets |
Thermoplastics & Thermosets
| Material (Commonly Known as) | Description | Temperature Range | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| PU | Polyurethane | -30°C to +100°C | 46A to 95A |
| Teflon | Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | -200°C to +260°C | 50D to 65D |
