What is rubber?
Rubber is an extremely versatile material with excellent sealing capabilities, however it is important to note that rubber can vary greatly in terms of performance and quality.
With this in mind PTM only supply rubber from reputable European suppliers thus ensuring that our qualities are of a high standard.
In addition to our commercial rubber range we carry a number of British Standard and other specification rubbers such as WRAS Approved, NCB158, ICI M228 etc.
The material is commonly used to produce one of our most popular products, rubber gaskets.
Specification Rubber is made to exacting standards as outlined in BS1154, BS2751, BS2752, BS476, BS5400 etc. For detailed information on specifications please phone us, or click here to see the British Standards web site.
It is important to ensure that the correct material is used for the application. i.e. Although Nitrile is a rubber with very good properties when used in an oil environment, commercial Nitrile would fail quickly when used with fuels, especially bio-fuels.
Having witnessed an increase in suppliers stocking an ever expanding range of “economy” grades of rubber over the last few years, it is reassuring to know that there is a company with over 45 years experience in the sealing sector who will advise you of the most suitable material for your application.
The table below can be used as a guide to identify the most suitable rubber for each application but please call us to ensure application specific criteria is met.
Chemical Resistance Guide
Nitrile | Polyurethane | Silicone | Viton A® | Butyl | EPDM | CSM | NaturalSBR | Neoprene | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Properties | Resilience | G | G | P | F | F | G | G | VG | G |
Compression Set | G | G | G | G | F | F | F | G | G | |
Impermeability to Gases | G | G | P | VG | VG | G | VG | F | G | |
Mechanical Properties | Impact Resistance | F | G | F | G | G | G | G | VG | G |
Abrasion | G | VG | F | G | G | G | G | VG | G/VG | |
Tear | G | VG | P | F | G | F | F | VG | G | |
Chemical Resistance | Weather | F | VG | VG | VG | VG | VG | VG | F | G |
Ozone | P | VG | VG | VG | G | VG | VG | U | G | |
Dilute Acid | G | P | F | G | VG | VG | VG | G | F | |
Dilute Alkali | F | P | F | G | VG | G | VG | F | F | |
Lubricating Oils | G | VG | G | VG | P | P | F | U | F | |
Petrol* | P | P | P | G | P | P | P | U | P | |
Degreasing Solvents | P | F | F | G | P | P | P | U | P | |
Polar Organic Solvents | P | F | G | G | G | G | F | F | P | |
Hydraulic Oil (Silicone) | G | F | F | G | F | F | G | P | G | |
Hydraulic Oil (Phosphate Esters) | P | F | F | P | G | G | F | U | U | |
Working Temperature | Minimum °C | -30 | -40 | -70 | -30 | -25 | -40 | -35 | -40 | -30 |
Maximum °C | 115 | 90 | 200 | 250 | 120 | 140 | 125 | 70 | 110 |
VG = Very Good: G = Good: F = Fair: P = Poor: U = Unsuitable: Petrol* Since refiners and blenders have been increasing the percentage of bio-fuel (Usually Ethanol) in petroleum and diesel it is recommended to always test the proposed rubber with the fuel first. These ratings are intended as a general guide to the suitability of the rubber. Individual compounds vary. For specific information or to match criteria simply call or e-mail us.
Types of Rubber
Click on the links below to download a data sheet on the different grades.
Butyl/EPDM and CSM
EPDM (WRAS Approved)
EPDM (White Food Quality)
EPDM (ICI M228 Compliant)
EPDM (Commercial)
CSM (Commonly referred to as Hypalon)
Butyl
Natural Rubber
Nitrile Rubber (BS2751 BA40)
Natural Rubber/SBR c/w Insertion
Natural Rubber/SBR (Blackstar)
Natural Rubber/SBR (Black Shotblast)
Natural Rubber/SBR
Natural Rubber (White Food Quality)
Natural Rubber (White Food Quality)
Natural Rubber (Tan Para)
Natural Rubber (Red Para)
Natural Rubber (Linatex®)
Chloroprene/Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene Rubber c/w Insertion
Neoprene Rubber (White Food Quality)
Neoprene Rubber (BS2752 C70)
Neoprene Rubber (BS2752 C60)
Neoprene Rubber (BS2752 C50)
Neoprene Rubber (BS2752 C40)
Neoprene (Commercial) (Chloroprene)
Flame Retardant Neoprene(NCB158)
Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile Rubber c/w Insertion
Nitrile Rubber (White Food Quality)
Nitrile Rubber (Semperit P559)
Nitrile Rubber (Commercial)
Nitrile Rubber (BS2751 BA80)
Nitrile Rubber (BS2751 BA70)
Nitrile Rubber (BS2751 BA60)
Nitrile Rubber (BS2751 BA50)
Nitrile Rubber (Blue Food Quality)
Blue FDA Metal Detectable Nitrile
Silicone
Silicone (Platinum Cured)
Silicone (Blue Metal Detectable)
Silicone (60° Sh A – Red/White/Blue/Translucent)
Silicone (40° Sh A – White/Translucent)
Viton™/FKM
Viton A™
FKM Rubber (WCMV90)
FKM Rubber (Nomex Reinforced)
FDA Compliant Beige/Blue FKM Rubber
As with all elastomers it is recommended that the type is tested for suitability as grades do vary.
We are happy to advise on any application, but final responsibility lies with the customer.
Viton is a trademark of The Chemours Company.