RUBBER
GRADES
Table of Contents
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 W.C. Munsch/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
| Butyl | EPDM | CSM | Natural/SBR | Neoprene | ||
| Physical Properties | Resilience | F | G | G | VG | G |
| Compression Set | F | F | F | G | G | |
| Impermeability to Gases | VG | G | VG | F | G | |
| Mechanical Properties | Impact Resistance | G | G | G | VG | G |
| Abrasion | G | G | G | VG | G/VG | |
| Tear | G | F | F | VG | G | |
| Chemical Resistance | Weather | VG | VG | VG | F | G |
| Ozone | G | VG | VG | U | G | |
| Dilute Acid | VG | VG | VG | G | F | |
| Dilute Alkali | VG | G | VG | F | F | |
| Lubricating Oils | P | P | F | U | F | |
| Petrol* | P | P | P | U | P | |
| Degreasing Solvents | P | P | P | U | P | |
| Polar Organic Solvents | G | G | F | F | P | |
| Hydraulic Oil (Silicone) | F | F | G | P | G | |
| Hydraulic Oil (Phosphate Esters) | G | G | F | U | U | |
| Working Temperature | Minimum °C | -25 | -40 | -35 | -40 | -30 |
| Maximum °C | 120 | 140 | 125 | 70 | 110 |
| Nitrile | Polyurethane | Silicone | Viton A® | ||
| Physical Properties | Resilience | G | G | P | F |
| Compression Set | G | G | G | G | |
| Impermeability to Gases | G | G | P | VG | |
| Mechanical Properties | Impact Resistance | F | G | F | G |
| Abrasion | G | VG | F | G | |
| Tear | G | VG | P | F | |
| Chemical Resistance | Weather | F | VG | VG | VG |
| Ozone | P | VG | VG | VG | |
| Dilute Acid | G | P | F | G | |
| Dilute Alkali | F | P | F | G | |
| Lubricating Oils | G | VG | G | VG | |
| Petrol* | P | P | P | G | |
| Degreasing Solvents | P | F | F | G | |
| Polar Organic Solvents | P | F | G | G | |
| Hydraulic Oil (Silicone) | G | F | F | G | |
| Hydraulic Oil (Phosphate Esters) | P | F | F | P | |
| Working Temperature | Minimum °C | -30 | -40 | -70 | -30 |
| Maximum °C | 115 | 90 | 200 | 250 |
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.
Simply give us a call or fill in the enquiry form below and one of our experts will give you all the advice and guidance to meet your rubber requirements.
Rubber Enquiry Form
Types of Rubber
Click on the links below to download a data sheet on the different grades.
Butyl/EPDM and CSM
Butyl Rubber is recommended for medium priced articles requiring good resistance to corrosive chemicals, heat resistance and excellent ageing properties.
EPDM’s are resistant to many chemicals and solvents particularly water, phosphate ethers, ketones, alcohols together with various acids and alkali’s.
This material is a Water Research Advisory Service (WRAS/WRC) approved EPDM suitable for use in potable drinking water applications. As it is a high grade material it can be used in a wide range of applications such as pipe seals, man-way gaskets and weather strips.
M228 was developed for ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries) for use with a wide range of chemicals, particularly Acids.
This grade is EC1935:2004 and FDA compliant. EPDM’s are resistant to many chemicals and solvents particularly water, phosphate ethers, ketones, alcohols together with various acids and alkali’s.
Recommended for resistance to chemicals and oils at high temperatures. (Up to 140° C) Outstanding resistance to atmospheric conditions, in particular strong sunlight and ozone.
Natural Rubber
Mostly used for lining Shotblast cabinets or where a material of high abrasion resistance is required such as skirt rubbers, these grades will last a long time in demanding environments.
Recommended for low to medium cost products where good resilience and toughness are prime considerations. Not recommended where resistance to heat or oils is required.
Linatex® is a 95% natural rubber that exhibits outstanding resilience, strength and resistance to cutting, tearing and abrasion. With over 80 years experience in handling aggressive materials, Linatex is still ranked as the premium wear resistant rubber for sliding or wet abrasion service.
Linagard® FG is a high quality natural rubber compound manufactured from FDA (Food & Drug Administration 177.2600) approved ingredients. It is designed for applications requiring safe long term food contact and wear resistance.
Wear Resistant rubber is specifically designed to resist mechanical wear and is therefore used in a multitude of modern industries, everything from mining and quarries to steel works and foundries.
High Grade NR-SBR, typically used when abrasion resistance to rough, sharp-edged materials is needed. This grade is anti-static, tested to VDE 0303-30:1996 <1 Mega Ohm * cm. Also available with a VKS bonding layer
Recommended for low to medium cost products where good resilience and toughness are prime considerations. To understand how in demand this grade is; over 40% of the world’s Polyisoprene production ends up as SBR.
Where contact with dry foodstuffs is the concern, a grade that complies with FDA guidelines is required. This grade also complies with EU1935/2004. Select this grade where abrasion resistance is the primary concern. This grade is 60° Sh. A.
Where contact with dry foodstuffs is the concern, a grade that complies with FDA guidelines is required. This grade also complies with EU1935/2004. Select this grade where abrasion resistance is the primary concern. This grade is 50° Sh. A.
Recommended for low to medium cost products where good resilience and toughness are prime considerations. This grade also has a polyester or fibreglass reinforcement in it to reduce stretch.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Chloroprene/Neoprene Rubber
Chloroprene is one of the original synthetic rubbers and it has the most balanced range of desirable properties. The chlorine atom gives it a good level of resistance to oils, which is somewhere between natural rubber and nitrile, and this mid-range is often sufficient for many general applications.
This grade complies with National Coal Board Specification 158, Approval 2618 and is Anti-Static and Flameproof.
This is a British Standard Neoprene Rubber to BS2752. Using a recognised standard ensures that the material will always comply to it no matter who the manufacturer is. This ensures continuity of operation which can vary if non-standard materials are used.
This is a British Standard Neoprene Rubber to BS2752. Using a recognised standard ensures that the material will always comply to it no matter who the manufacturer is. This ensures continuity of operation which can vary if non-standard materials are used.
This is a British Standard Neoprene Rubber to BS2752. Using a recognised standard ensures that the material will always comply to it no matter who the manufacturer is. This ensures continuity of operation which can vary if non-standard materials are used.
This is a British Standard Neoprene Rubber to BS2752. Using a recognised standard ensures that the material will always comply to it no matter who the manufacturer is. This ensures continuity of operation which can vary if non-standard materials are used.
Where contact with dry foodstuffs is the concern, a grade that complies with FDA guidelines is required. This grade also complies with EU1935/2004. Select this grade where some oil resistance is required.
Chloroprene is one of the original synthetic rubbers and it has the most balanced range of desirable properties. This grade also has a polyester or fibreglass reinforcement in it to reduce stretch.
Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile is used with some oils and has good resistance to inorganic chemical products except antioxidant agents and chlorine.
A high grade Nitrile with good mechanical properties and good oil resistance. Recommended for most aliphatic and aromatic oils. Good Benzine resistance.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Often specified on drawings from Government bodies, Military, Aviation companies and other large corporations when a recognised standard is required to ensure continuity of supply.
Where contact with dry foodstuffs is the concern, a grade that complies with FDA guidelines is required. This grade also complies with EU1935/2004. Select this grade where higher oil resistance than Neoprene is required.
Blue colours are gaining more popularity due to the lack of blue being used in food production, thus making it easier to spot leaks in seals. Where this is a requirement, a grade that complies with FDA guidelines is required. This grade also complies with EU1935/2004.
Nitrile is used with some oils and has good resistance to inorganic chemical products except antioxidant agents and chlorine. This grade also has a polyester or fibreglass reinforcement in it to reduce stretch.
Hydrogenated Nitrile is produced by hydrogenation of NBR. This process removes olefinic groups which are susceptible to chemical degradation. Also known as highly saturated nitrile (HSN), HNBR is widely known for its physical strength and retention of properties after long-term exposure to heat, oil, and chemicals.
This is a premium grade Blue FDA/EC1935:2004 compliant Nitrile which has food safe additives which can be picked up in the event of gasket/seal failure, by metal detectors commonly used within the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Silicone
Silicone is unique when compared with other synthetic rubbers, in so much as its molecular chain does not contain carbon. Instead it contains alternating atoms of silicon (Si) and oxygen. This combination is called polysiloxane. This unique feature contributes to many of its outstanding performance characteristics.
“Premium Grade Peroxide Free” silicone sheeting is designed to be used where higher physical properties are required and in applications that require a low volatile and low outgassing material.
This softer grade is ideal for low pressure sealing and where uneven flanges are encountered. Silicone rubber is physiologically inert, thus making it the preferred choice of the medical, pharmaceutical and food processing industries.
This grade is used predominantly in the food industry where magnets can detect the metal particles in the event of gasket failure. This material has been tested to and is in compliance with the American Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) 21 CFR 177-2600 & Directive EC 1935/2004.
Viton™/FKM
An EC1935:2004/FDA compliant fluoroelastomer priced competitively for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Amongst all the synthetic rubbers, FKM’s are one of the most resistant to many solvents and chemicals.
This is a high priced speciality polymer. It is used almost exclusively where resistance to very high temperature is required and where resistance to petroleum and chlorinated solvents is necessary although care should be taken when using with Biofuels.
A fluoroelastomer priced competitively for when the Viton trade-name is not required. Amongst all the synthetic rubbers, FKM’s are one of the most resistant to many solvents and chemicals.
When additional strength is required, this fluoroelastomer has a Nomex reinforcement to reduce stretch and tearing. Minimum 66% Fluorine Content
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.