Rubber Material Guide

Information about the best rubber material to use for a given application as it applies to the finishing / coating industry and masking projects.

Rubber Material Guide

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Many people think of "rubber" as being a single type of material. But in the 20th century, synthetic products were developed as a means to have rubber-like properties while adding improved characteristics that natural rubber lacked. These other rubber-like materials are advantageous to use for certain situations, such as their contact with certain liquids like acids or hydrocarbons, temperature resistance, exposure to sunlight, weathering, or abrasion.

The charts below are designed to help convey information about the best rubber material to use for a given application as it applies to the finishing / coating industry and masking projects. Check out the typical rubber materials Viadon both stocks and can have made (Silicone / EPDM / Neoprene) and compare how they perform relative to natural rubber.

Don't see what you need here? Give us a call - we're happy to discuss your needs to try and help you solve your latest challenge! Call us toll-free at 866-534-3900 or direct at 708-534-3900.

Elastomer Characteristics Charts

  • Temperature Ranges

    Temperature Range Chart

    Temperature Silicone Rubber EPDM Rubber Neoprene Rubber Natural Rubber
    Maximum Intermittent (°F) 600 350 305
    195
    Maximum Continuous (°F) 410 250 210 175
    Minimum Degree (°F) - 75 - 60 - 40 - 40
  • Mechanical Properties

    Mechanical Properties Chart

    Property Silicone Rubber EPDM Rubber Neoprene Rubber Natural Rubber
    Hardness Range 30-80 40-85 40-85 40-85
    Elongation 300 350 400 600
  • Resistance Characteristics

    Resistance Characteristics Chart

    Property Silicone Rubber EPDM Rubber Neoprene Rubber Natural Rubber
    Abrasion Poor Good Good Excellent
    Compression Set Good Good Fair/Good Good
    Tear Poor Fair/Good Good Good/Very Good
    Flame Good Poor Very Good Poor
    Gas Permeability Low Low Low Fairly Low
    Electrical Insulation Excellent Excellent Fair/Good Good/Very Good
    Acids (Diluted) Good Very Good Good Fair to Good
    Acids (Concentrated) Fair Very Good Good Fair to Good
    Aliphatic Solvents Poor Poor Fair to Good Poor
    Aromatic Hydrocarbons Poor Poor Fair Poor
    Ketones, etc. Fair Good/Very Good Poor Fair
    Oil and gasoline Fair Poor Fair Poor
    Animal / Vegetable Oils Good Good Good Fair
    Water Good Excellent Good Very Good
    Ozone Excellent Excellent Very Good Poor
    Oxidation Excellent Very Good Very Good Fair
    Weathering Excellent Excellent Very Good Fair