Are extruded rubber profiles weather - resistant?

As a long - standing supplier of extruded rubber profiles, I've encountered numerous inquiries regarding the weather - resistance of our products. This topic is of utmost importance to our customers, as the ability of rubber profiles to withstand various weather conditions directly impacts their performance and longevity in different applications.

Understanding Extruded Rubber Profiles

Extruded rubber profiles are produced through a process called extrusion. In this process, raw rubber material is forced through a die of a specific cross - sectional shape. This allows for the creation of continuous lengths of rubber with consistent profiles, which can be used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, and aerospace.

The properties of extruded rubber profiles are determined by the type of rubber used. Common types of rubber include natural rubber, synthetic rubbers such as neoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and silicone rubber. Each type of rubber has its own unique set of characteristics, which in turn affects its weather - resistance.

Factors Affecting Weather - Resistance of Extruded Rubber Profiles

Temperature

Temperature is one of the most significant factors that can affect the weather - resistance of extruded rubber profiles. Extreme heat can cause rubber to soften, lose its shape, and even degrade over time. On the other hand, extreme cold can make rubber brittle, leading to cracking and loss of flexibility.

For example, natural rubber has a relatively narrow temperature range within which it can maintain its properties. It starts to lose its elasticity at high temperatures and becomes stiff and brittle in cold conditions. In contrast, silicone rubber has excellent temperature stability. It can withstand high temperatures up to 200 - 300°C and low temperatures down to - 60°C without significant loss of its physical properties. This makes silicone rubber - based extruded profiles ideal for applications in environments with extreme temperature variations.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause rubber to deteriorate. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in the rubber, leading to a process called photo - oxidation. This results in the rubber becoming hard, brittle, and discolored over time.

Some rubbers are more resistant to UV radiation than others. EPDM rubber, for instance, has excellent UV resistance due to its chemical structure. It contains double bonds in its polymer chain that are relatively stable against UV - induced degradation. As a result, EPDM extruded rubber profiles are commonly used in outdoor applications such as window seals and roofing membranes, where they are exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

Moisture and Humidity

Moisture and humidity can also have a significant impact on the weather - resistance of extruded rubber profiles. Water can cause rubber to swell, which may lead to a loss of dimensional stability. In addition, prolonged exposure to moisture can promote the growth of mold and mildew on the rubber surface, which not only affects its appearance but also its mechanical properties.

Silicone rubber is highly resistant to moisture. Its hydrophobic nature prevents water from penetrating the rubber matrix, making it suitable for applications in wet or humid environments. For example, silicone extruded profiles are often used in bathroom fixtures and marine applications, where they are constantly exposed to water.

Ozone

Ozone is a highly reactive gas present in the atmosphere, especially at high altitudes and in urban areas with high levels of air pollution. Ozone can react with the double bonds in rubber polymers, causing them to break and leading to the formation of cracks on the rubber surface.

Neoprene rubber is known for its good ozone resistance. It contains chlorine atoms in its polymer structure, which provide a certain degree of protection against ozone attack. Neoprene extruded profiles are therefore commonly used in applications where ozone exposure is a concern, such as automotive seals and gaskets.

Weather - Resistant Rubber Profiles in Our Product Range

As a supplier, we offer a variety of extruded rubber profiles with different levels of weather - resistance to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Silicone Rubber Profiles

Our silicone rubber extruded profiles are highly weather - resistant. They can withstand extreme temperatures, UV radiation, moisture, and ozone. These profiles are available in various shapes and sizes, and can be used in applications such as electrical insulation, medical devices, and outdoor equipment. For example, our Flame Retardant Fluorosilicone Rubber profiles not only have excellent weather - resistance but also offer flame - retardant properties, making them suitable for use in environments where fire safety is a concern.

EPDM Rubber Profiles

EPDM rubber profiles are another popular choice for outdoor applications. They have good resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and moisture. Our EPDM extruded profiles are commonly used in construction for window and door seals, as well as in automotive applications for weatherstripping. Their long - term durability in outdoor environments makes them a cost - effective solution for many customers.

Neoprene Rubber Profiles

Our neoprene rubber extruded profiles are well - suited for applications where ozone resistance is required. They are also resistant to oil and chemicals, in addition to having decent weather - resistance. These profiles can be used in automotive, industrial, and marine applications. For example, our Fluorosilicone Rubber for Hose has good weather - resistance and can be used in hoses for various fluid transfer applications.

Fluorosilicone Rubber Profiles

Fluorosilicone rubber profiles offer a combination of excellent weather - resistance and chemical resistance. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, UV radiation, and harsh chemicals. Our Fluorosilicone Rubber Adhesive is a good example of a product that uses fluorosilicone rubber, providing strong adhesion and long - term durability in challenging environments.

Testing and Quality Assurance

To ensure the weather - resistance of our extruded rubber profiles, we conduct a series of tests. These tests simulate different weather conditions, including temperature cycling, UV exposure, moisture exposure, and ozone exposure.

We use state - of - the - art testing equipment to measure the physical properties of the rubber profiles before and after the tests. This includes measuring the hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, and compression set of the profiles. By comparing the results, we can determine the degree of degradation of the rubber profiles under different weather conditions and ensure that they meet the required standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, extruded rubber profiles can be highly weather - resistant, depending on the type of rubber used and the manufacturing process. As a supplier, we are committed to providing our customers with high - quality extruded rubber profiles that can withstand the most challenging weather conditions.

If you are in need of extruded rubber profiles for your project, whether it's for automotive, construction, or any other industry, we invite you to contact us for a detailed discussion. Our team of experts can help you select the most suitable rubber profile based on your specific requirements and the environmental conditions in which the profiles will be used. We look forward to working with you to meet your rubber profile needs.

References

• Morton, M. (1973). Rubber Technology. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
• Brydson, J. A. (1999). Rubber Chemistry and Technology. Chapman & Hall.
• Mark, J. E., Erman, B., & Eirich, F. R. (Eds.). (2005). The Science and Technology of Rubber. Academic Press.