Industrial Rubber Key Properties and Applications Explained

From the tight seals in your car to hygienic flooring in food production lines and durable garden liners, rubber products are everywhere, silently safeguarding our daily lives and work environments. But have you ever considered the complex material science behind these seemingly simple products? This comprehensive report examines the properties, applications, and selection criteria for industrial rubber and rubber sheeting.

Industrial rubber refers to rubber materials designed for technical or mechanical applications, valued for their versatility across multiple sectors. Rubber sheeting represents one of the most common forms of industrial rubber, typically supplied in sheets for easy cutting and fabrication. All rubber sheets derive from industrial rubber compounds, ensuring adaptability to various environmental conditions.

The industrial rubber market offers numerous varieties, each with unique physical and chemical characteristics tailored for specific applications. Below are three prominent industrial rubber types:

EPDM rubber, synthesized from ethylene, propylene, and small amounts of non-conjugated diene, stands out for its exceptional chemical resistance. This synthetic rubber demonstrates high tolerance to alcohols, ketones, esters, acids, and alkalis, though it shows sensitivity to fats and mineral oils. EPDM also boasts superior weather, ozone, and UV radiation resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

With an impressive temperature range of -60°C to +160°C, EPDM maintains stable performance in extreme conditions. Its molecular structure provides excellent resistance to water vapor and hot water, leading to widespread use in hot water seals and steam pipe applications.

NBR rubber, produced from butadiene and acrylonitrile copolymers, delivers outstanding oil resistance, particularly against lubricants. Special formulations can enhance its fuel oil resistance, though it remains vulnerable to polar solvents like acids and alkalis. While NBR's cold resistance can be improved with additives, its weather and ozone resistance remain limited, restricting its outdoor applications.

As a copolymer of butadiene and styrene, SBR serves as a cost-effective general-purpose rubber, often positioned as an economical alternative to EPDM for indoor applications. Compared to EPDM, SBR exhibits inferior weather and ozone resistance. Its temperature tolerance resembles EPDM's, though with notably low flame resistance. Similar to EPDM, SBR resists most solvents but degrades when exposed to mineral oils and fats.

• Mechanical Applications: Protective covers, seals for water/dust protection, vibration damping, and noise reduction
• Industrial Environments: Workspace matting for ergonomics and tool safety, conveyor belts, cushioning
• Automotive Manufacturing: Door and seam seals, undercarriage vibration dampers
• Food & Beverage Sector: Hygienic flooring and seals meeting food-grade standards
• Residential & Landscaping: Floor mats, non-slip surfaces, garden liners, pond waterproofing

• Operating Environment: Temperature ranges, humidity levels, chemical exposure
• Physical Properties: Hardness, tensile strength, tear resistance, elongation
• Special Requirements: Flame resistance, conductivity, food-grade certification
• Economic Considerations: Balancing performance needs with budget constraints

Vulcanization—the process of heating raw rubber with sulfur compounds—creates cross-linked molecular structures that enhance elasticity, strength, and durability. Different vulcanizing agents and techniques produce varying performance characteristics.

Rubber aging occurs through exposure to oxygen, ozone, UV radiation, heat, and chemicals. Preventive measures include:

• Adding antioxidants and anti-ozonants
• Minimizing sunlight exposure
• Controlling operating temperatures
• Avoiding chemical contact

Rubber recycling supports sustainability through multiple methods:

• Reclaimed Rubber: Processed for new product manufacturing
• Rubber Powder: Used in modified asphalt, sports surfaces, tiles
• Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition into fuel oil, carbon black, and gases

Industrial rubber and sheeting remain indispensable materials across modern industries and domestic applications. Understanding their properties, applications, and selection parameters enables informed decision-making for optimal performance, cost efficiency, and safety.