What types of rubber are commonly used in extrusion rubber material?

Extrusion is a widely used manufacturing process in the rubber industry, allowing for the production of continuous profiles with consistent cross - sections. As an extrusion rubber material supplier, I have extensive knowledge about the different types of rubber commonly used in this process. In this blog, I'll walk you through these types, their properties, applications, and advantages.

Natural Rubber (NR)

Natural rubber is derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It has been a staple in the rubber industry for a long time due to its outstanding physical properties.

Properties:

• High elasticity: Natural rubber can stretch up to 700% of its original length and return to its original shape with minimal permanent deformation.
• Good tear strength: It can withstand high levels of stress before tearing, making it suitable for applications where the rubber is subject to sharp objects or high - impact forces.
• Excellent resilience: This property allows natural rubber to quickly recover its shape after being compressed or deformed, which is crucial in applications like shock absorbers.

Applications:

• Automotive industry: It is used in tires, engine mounts, and suspension bushings. The high elasticity and resilience of natural rubber make it ideal for these applications, as it can handle the vibrations and stresses associated with vehicle operation.
• Consumer products: Items such as rubber bands, gloves, and shoe soles often use natural rubber. The softness and flexibility of natural rubber provide comfort and functionality in these everyday products.

Advantages:

• Renewable resource: Since it comes from trees, natural rubber is a sustainable option compared to some synthetic rubbers.
• Cost - effective: In many cases, natural rubber is more affordable than some of its synthetic counterparts, especially for large - scale production.

Styrene - Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Styrene - Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber that is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene. It is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers in the world.

Properties:

• Good abrasion resistance: SBR can withstand friction and wear, making it suitable for applications where the rubber surface is in contact with other materials.
• High tensile strength: It has relatively high strength, which allows it to bear heavy loads without breaking easily.
• Good aging resistance: SBR can resist the effects of aging, such as cracking and hardening, over a long period.

Applications:

• Tires: SBR is commonly used in tire treads due to its good abrasion resistance. It helps to improve the tire's grip on the road and extends its lifespan.
• Footwear: It is used in the soles of shoes, providing durability and traction.

Advantages:

• Versatility: SBR can be easily modified by changing the ratio of styrene to butadiene, allowing it to be tailored for different applications.
• Compatibility: It can be blended with other rubbers, such as natural rubber, to enhance its properties.

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna - N, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene.

Properties:

• Excellent oil resistance: NBR can withstand exposure to oils, fuels, and other hydrocarbons without significant swelling or degradation.
• Good mechanical properties: It has high tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for applications that require durability.
• Resistance to chemicals: NBR can resist a wide range of chemicals, including acids and alkalis.

Applications:

• Automotive industry: It is used in fuel hoses, gaskets, and seals. The oil resistance of NBR is crucial in these applications, as it prevents leakage and ensures the proper functioning of the vehicle's fuel system.
• Industrial applications: NBR is used in conveyor belts, O - rings, and gloves in industries where contact with oils and chemicals is common.

Advantages:

• Chemical resistance: The ability to resist a variety of chemicals makes NBR a reliable choice for many industrial and automotive applications.
• Long - term performance: NBR can maintain its properties over a long period, even under harsh conditions.

Ethylene - Propylene - Diene Monomer (EPDM)

EPDM is a synthetic rubber made from ethylene, propylene, and a diene monomer.

Properties:

• Excellent weather resistance: EPDM can withstand exposure to sunlight, ozone, and extreme temperatures without significant degradation.
• Good electrical insulation properties: It is a good insulator, making it suitable for electrical applications.
• High flexibility: EPDM remains flexible even at low temperatures, which is important in applications where the rubber needs to bend or stretch.

Applications:

• Building and construction: EPDM is used in roofing membranes, window seals, and door gaskets. Its weather resistance makes it ideal for these outdoor applications.
• Electrical industry: It is used in cable insulation and electrical connectors.

Advantages:

• Durability: EPDM can last for many years in outdoor environments, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Energy efficiency: In building applications, EPDM can help to improve energy efficiency by providing a tight seal and reducing heat loss.

Fluorosilicone Rubber

Fluorosilicone rubber combines the properties of silicone rubber and fluorocarbon rubber. It offers a unique set of characteristics that make it suitable for demanding applications.

Properties:

• High - temperature resistance: Fluorosilicone rubber can withstand temperatures ranging from - 55°C to 230°C, making it suitable for applications in high - heat environments.
• Chemical resistance: It has excellent resistance to fuels, oils, solvents, and chemicals.
• Low compression set: Fluorosilicone rubber can maintain its shape and sealing properties even after long - term compression.

Applications:

• Aerospace industry: It is used in seals, gaskets, and O - rings in aircraft engines and fuel systems. The high - temperature and chemical resistance of fluorosilicone rubber are essential in these critical applications.
• Automotive industry: Fluorosilicone rubber is used in fuel system components and high - temperature engine parts.

You can learn more about specific types of fluorosilicone rubber, such as Flame Retardant Fluorosilicone Rubber, Fluorosilicone Elastomer, and Conductive Fluorosilicone Rubber on our website.

Advantages:

• Wide temperature range: The ability to perform well in both high - and low - temperature environments makes fluorosilicone rubber a versatile material.
• Chemical compatibility: Its resistance to a wide range of chemicals ensures its reliability in various industrial applications.

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is a synthetic rubber made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.

Properties:

• High - temperature stability: Silicone rubber can withstand temperatures from - 60°C to 230°C, making it suitable for high - heat applications.
• Good electrical insulation: It is an excellent electrical insulator, which is important in electrical and electronic applications.
• Biocompatibility: Silicone rubber is non - toxic and can be used in medical applications.

Applications:

• Medical industry: It is used in medical devices, such as catheters, seals, and gaskets. The biocompatibility of silicone rubber makes it safe for use in contact with the human body.
• Electrical industry: Silicone rubber is used in cable insulation, connectors, and seals.

Advantages:

• Safety: The biocompatibility and non - toxicity of silicone rubber make it a reliable choice for medical and food - contact applications.
• Long - term performance: Silicone rubber can maintain its properties over a long period, even under extreme conditions.

As an extrusion rubber material supplier, we have a wide range of rubber materials available to meet your specific needs. Whether you need natural rubber for its cost - effectiveness, NBR for its oil resistance, or fluorosilicone rubber for its high - temperature performance, we can provide you with the right solution. If you are interested in purchasing extrusion rubber materials, please feel free to contact us for a detailed discussion. We look forward to working with you to find the best rubber material for your applications.

References

• "Handbook of Elastomers" by B. D. Croll and M. J. McNally
• "Rubber Technology" by Maurice Morton
• Various industry reports and technical documents from rubber manufacturers.