Different types of rubber

RIS AND THE 40 TYPES OF RUBBER

Did you know that there are at least 40 types of rubber? In this article, we highlight the most commonly used types and grades. After all, not all rubber is created equal…

The choice of rubber type depends on its application and environmental influences. For example, the requirements for maritime use differ significantly from those for agriculture. Factors like moisture, temperature and exposure to chemicals greatly influence the material’s lifespan. It is also crucial to consider how hard the product needs to be and the amount of pressure it must be able to withstand. Each application requires a made-to-measure solution. In some cases, a combination of synthetic and natural rubber is used. At RIS, we can precisely mix these compounds to achieve the most optimal product characteristics.

Learn more about the history of rubber

characteristics and properties

Overview of rubber types

Below is a brief introduction to eleven different types of rubber. We describe their properties and common applications.

NATURAL RUBBER (NR)

NR is extremely strong.
It is soft, hard-wearing, elastic and resilient.
Used in the tyre industry, oscillation dampers and various moulded components.

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SBR

SBR stands for styrene-butadiene rubber.
It is the most widely produced and oldest type of synthetic rubber in the world.
Resistant to water and glycol, and very hard-wearing.
Commonly used in construction, shipping, industry and vehicle manufacturing.

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ISOPRENE RUBBER (IR)

IR can best be described as synthetic natural rubber.
Its properties are similar to natural rubber, but often slightly inferior. The reason for this is that the molecular chains in IR are shorter than those in natural rubber.
Primarily used in products for which natural rubber is difficult to process. Due to its shorter molecules, IR can be extruded more easily into a smoother rubber profile.
It can also reduce the viscosity of the final rubber compound if necessary during the processing phase.

CSM RUBBER

CSM stands for chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber.
Hypalon, the former brand name, is the most commonly used term for CSM rubber.
Resistant to external weather conditions, including UV radiation and ozone.
Widely used in the construction and electrical industries.
Also used in the chemical and automotive industries.

EPDM RUBBER

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer.
This type of rubber is highly resistant to ozone, UV radiation, ageing and acids.
Suitable for the highest standards in the water and food industries.
Widely used in the construction and automotive sectors.

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Silicone RUBBER

This type of rubber has an indivisible structure and is unaffected by cold, heat or dryness.
Can be manufactured in any colour.
Can be produced with extremely low hardness levels.
Widely used in high-voltage applications and the food industry.

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CR RUBBER

Stands for chloroprene rubber.
Also known as neoprene.
Resistant to heat, ozone and weather conditions.
Highly resistant to seawater.
Widely used in the maritime industry.

LINATEX

Consists of 95% natural rubber.
Extremely hard-wearing.
Commonly used in construction, mining and the gravel and sand industries.

FFKM RUBBER

Also known as perfluoroelastomer rubber and butyl rubber.
Another abbreviation is IIR, which stands for isobutylene isoprene rubber.
Resistant to extremely high temperatures of up to 327°C.
Used in nuclear cores, packings and O-rings for chemical processing equipment.
Low gas permeability and flexibility make it suitable for inner tubes and other high-pressure tyres.
Widely applied in the chemical industry due to its resistance to highly aggressive chemicals.

NBR RUBBER

NBR stands for nitrile butadiene rubber.
Highly resistant to mineral oils, gases, greases and fuels.
Widely used in workshops and garages and on oil platforms.

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FKM RUBBER

Also known as fluoroelastomer rubber and Viton.
Viton is a well-known brand name for FKM rubber, registered by DuPont™.
This type of rubber offers exceptional properties compared to other types.
It is resistant to many chemicals, concentrated acids and bases.
Suitable for high-temperature applications up to 250°C.
Widely used in the chemical and petrochemical industries.

Learn more about FKM

making calculations

FROM FUTURE ANALYSIS TO SAMPLE

Once our rubber technologist has determined the most suitable type of rubber, the Research & Development department begins work on the design. This often begins with testing using FEM (Finite Element Method) software, a powerful analytical tool that provides realistic predictions of a design’s performance. This enables us to assess factors such as structural integrity, response to environmental conditions and expected lifespan. Thanks to years of accumulated data input, our FEM software performs extremely precise calculations. This allows us to achieve the optimal design quickly and cost-effectively. After the design phase, we create the mould and produce samples that are rigorously tested in-house. Once everything meets the required standards and the customer is satisfied, full-scale production begins.

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