The natural rubber is used since hundred years. The most extensively developed rubber with a lot many range of compounds.

Natural rubber is replenishable. During its production as a sapling (latex), it continually absorbs carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas). At the end of their survival, the rubber trees are used for furniture and are substituted with young sapling for further production. Natural rubber is also biodegradable and non-toxic.

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Properties

• the most water resistant type of rubber – also very resistant to most water based chemicals
• very inert structure, remains stable over long periods of time
• can withstand temperatures of up to 130°C for extended periods of time (months)
• very good weathering resistance
• easily compounded and processed

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Properties

• resistant to a wide range of hostile environments
• resistant to oils and chemicals
• weather and water resistant
• can withstand temperatures from -30°C to 95°C
• easy to process and compound, offering cost benefits
• flame retardant
• can be produced in any colour required

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Developed in the 1950s as a speciality rubber for rugged applications. Best described as a “super” Neoprene, with similar but better developed characteristics.

Properties

• resistant to oil and fluids, especially at higher temperatures (+125°C)
• extremely resistant to ozone and weathering – can withstand harsh outdoor conditions for up to 15 years

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Another early development in the search for an oil resistant rubber. The most suitable rubber for applications requiring resistance to petroleum based fluids (there are rubbers with higher degrees of resistance but these are much more expensive).

Properties

• very good resistance to petroleum based fluids
• good high temperature resistance – up to 100°C (120°C with EV cure systems)
• economical to compound and produce
• very low level of permeability to gases

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A synthetic rubber which is particularly resistant to hot oil.

Properties

• excellent resistance to oxidation and weathering
• particularly resistant to oil at high temperatures

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Provides good oil resistance over a wide temperature range. More expensive than Nitrile but considerably cheaper than Silicone.

Properties

• good resistance to oxidation and weathering
• good oil resistance
• strong and abrasion resistant

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A proprietary brand of EPDM and Polypropylene, readily available in a range of hardnesses. Flame retardant and coloured grades can also be obtained.

Properties

• easy to process
• reasonable resistance to fuels and oils
• available in hardnesses ranging from 60° to 99° Shore A

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Synthetic rubber with a wide temperature range and outstanding resistance to weathering. Characterised by clean, smooth appearance with good flexibility.

Properties

• wide temperature range
• extremely good resistance to weathering
• excellent electrical properties
• good resistance to oils
• easily coloured
• low level of toxicity

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Synthetic rubber with a wide temperature range and outstanding resistance to weathering. Characterised by clean, smooth appearance with good flexibility.

Properties

• wide temperature range
• extremely good resistance to weathering
• excellent electrical properties
• good resistance to oils
• easily coloured
• low level of toxicity

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The best rubber to use in hostile environments where fuel, oil, chemicals or low temperatures are encountered.

Properties

• performs excellently in the temperature range -60°C to 200°C
• resistant to oils and fuels (particularly at low temperatures)
• good electrical strength

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A synthetic rubber which is easy to process in large quantities. Widely used in the footwear and tyre industries.

Properties

• good physical strength
• good tear and abrasion resistance
• range of colours
• one of the cheaper rubbers

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Hydrogenated nitrile rubber provides good all round performance at a compound cost between Nitrile and Fluoroelastomer. Its highly saturated main chain provides good resistance against thermal oxidation and chemical attack.

Properties

• good physical properties, including abrasion resistance, at high temperatures
• good dynamic behaviour and flex cracking resistance at elevated temperatures
• excellent heat, ageing and ozone resistance
• outstanding resistance to steam and hot water

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