Natural and Synthetic Rubber
Rubber Compounds
A wide range of natural and synthetic rubber types is available. The trade names listed here are just a selection of the numerous products available on the market. The vulcanizate properties specified are general characteristics and are not guaranteed.
Name (chemical identity) |
Abbr. as per ASTM | Common name (examples) |
Properaties of vulcanized material/polymer | Application examples |
---|---|---|---|---|
Natural rubber(cis-1,4-polyisoprene from biosynthesis) |
NR |
|
General purpose rubber with balanced physical properties. Resistant to aging and weathering only if sufficiently stabilized. | Tires, conveyor belts, all types of molded parts |
Isoprene rubber(synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene) |
IR |
|
same as NR | same as NR |
Butadiene rubberor polybutadiene (polybutadiene) |
BR |
|
General purpose rubber used almost exclusively in rubber blends. High elasticity, wear resistance and low-temperature flexibility. | Blend components: applications similar to those of NR |
Styrene butadiene rubber(copolymers of butadiene/styrene) |
SBR |
|
Commonly used general purpose rubber. Resistant to aging and weathering only if sufficiently stabilized. | Tires, conveyor belts, molded and extruded parts |
Chloroprene(trans-1,4-polychlorobutadiene) |
CR |
|
Rubber with relatively high resistance to flame, weathering and aging. Moderate resistance to oil and fuel. | Conveyor belts, V-belts, molded and extruded parts |
Nitrile rubber(copolymers of butadiene/acrylonitrile) |
NBR |
|
High swell resistance to oil, grease and fuel. Resistance properties, elasticity and low-temperature flexibility depends on acrylonitrile content. There are also hydrogenated types (HNBR) with high resistance to ozone and aging. | Oil-, grease- and fuel-resistant parts, roller coatings, hoses |
EPDM rubber(terpolymers of ethylene/propylene and diene components) |
EPDM |
|
High resistance to aging, weathering and heat. High resistance to hot water, steam, detergents and washing agents. | Molded and extruded parts |
Ethylene acrylic rubber |
AEM |
|
Average mechanical properties, very good resistance to aging and weathering. Low swell in water, cooling liquids and paraffin oils. | Seals, charge-air hoses |
Butyl rubber(copolymers of isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene) |
IIR |
|
High air impermeability, damping properties, good heat resistance. There are also special halogenated types (BIIR, CIIR). | Inner tubes for car and bicycle tires, spring elements |
Chlorohydrin rubber(polyepichlorohydrin, possibly copolymer with ethylene oxide) |
CO ECO |
|
High resistance to oil, grease, fuel, heat and oxygen. | Oil-, grease- and fuel-resistant parts |
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene |
CSM |
|
Similar to EPDM, but better swell resistance to oil, grease and fuel. High chemical resistance and flame-retardant. | Molded and extruded parts, roller coatings, tank linings |
Acrylate rubber(polyacrylate) |
ACM |
|
Very good resistance to oil, grease and fuel, particularly to hypoid oil. Little flexibility at low temperatures. | Molded parts |
Fluor rubber(copolymers of fluorinated compounds) |
FPM |
|
Expensive special rubber with very high resistance to chemicals and heat | Molded parts, tank linings |
Silicone rubber(polymethylsiloxane, possibly with phenyl and/or vinyl side groups) |
M MPQ MVQ |
|
High resistance to aging, weathering and heat. Extremely resistant to cold. Modest resistance to oil and fuel. | For use with foodstuffs, medical or pharmaceutical products |