Rubber Compounds

Elastomers Introduction:Elastomers are long-chain polymers which are capable of cross-linking

which is referred to as vulcanization.  The vulcanization process cross-links the polymer chains via chemical
bonds creating the elastic or “rubbery or memory properties”.

Elastomers are typically descried by type or family based on the base polymer used in the formulation.   These
classifications are summarized per the ASTM D 1418 standard below and more detail is available for each of the
families by clicking on the Chemical Description contained in the summary.

ELASTOMER RUBBER COMPOUNDS TYPES AND REFERENCES

General Chemical Abbreviation ISO/DIN Other Trade names ASTM D2000
Description Description (ASTM 1418) 1629 & Abbreviations Designations
Acrylonitrile-
Nitrile NBR NBR Buna-N BF, BG, BK, CH
butadiene rubber
Hydrogenated
Hydrogenated
Acrylonitrile- HNBR (HNBR) HNBR DH
Nitrile
butadiene rubber
Ethylene- Ethylene propylene
EPDM EPDM EP, EPT, EPR BA, CA, DA
Propylene diene rubber
Fluorocarbon Fluorocarbon Rubber FKM FPM Viton ®, Fluorel ® HK
Chloroprene Chloroprene rubber CR CR Neoprene BC, BE
Silicone Silicone rubber VMQ VMQ PVMQ FC, FE, GE
Fluorosilicone Fluorosilicone rubber FVMQ FVMQ FVMQ FK
Polyacrylate Polyacrylate rubber ACM ACM ACM EH
Ethylene Ethylene Acrylic
AEM AEM Vamac ® EE, EF, EG, EA
Acrylic rubber
Styrene- Styrene-butadiene
SBR SBR SBR AA, BA
butadiene rubber
Polyester urethane /
Polyurethane AU / EU AU / EU AU / EU BG
Polyether urethane
Natural rubber Natural rubber NR NR NR AA

Vamac ® and Viton ® are registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or affiliates.
Fluorel ® is a registered trademark of Dyneon LLC

General Properties of Elastomer Classes & Rubber Compounds:

Very Good = 1 Good = 2 Average = 3 Poor = 4 Temperature in °F

Basic Property NBR HNBR EPDM FKM CR ACM AEM SBR AU/EU VMQ FVMQ NR
Economy of Material 1 4 2 3 2 3 4 1 3 3 4 1
Compression Set Resistance 1 1 1 1 2 4 2 2 3 2 2 1
Resilience (Rebound) 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 1
Tear Strength 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 4 3 1
Heat Aging Resistance 3 2 2 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 3
Ozone Resistance 4 2 2 1 2 2 1 4 1 1 1 4
Resistance to Oil & Grease 2 2 4 1 2 1 3 4 2 3 1 4

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Fuel Resistance 4 3 4 2 4 1 4 4 3 4 2 4
Water Swell Resistance 2 2 1 2 3 4 2 1 4 1 1 1
Gas Impermeability 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 4 4 3
Dynamic Service / Abrasion
2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 4 4 1
Res.
High Temperature - Standard 212 300 300 390 250 300 300 212 175 450 400 220
High Temperature - Special 250 - - - - - - - - 480 - -
Low Temperature - Standard -22 - 22 -60 5 -40 -60 -40 -50 -60 -75 -75 -60
Low Temperature - Special -60 -40 - -30 - - - - - - - -

Due to the number of interacting forces, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR ELASTOMER SELECTION BE
RIGOROUSLY TESTED IN THE ACTUAL APPLICATION, performance assumptions must be checked so that you are
certain that all variables have been carefully considered.

NATURAL RUBBER (NR)

Temperature Range (dry heat)

low high
Natural rubber is a product coagulated from the latex of the
rubber tree, hevea brasiliensis. Natural rubber features low - 60 °F 220 °F
compression set, high tensile strength, resilience, abrasion and -51 °C 104 °C
tear resistance, good friction characteristics, excellent bonding
Application Advantages
capabilities to metal substrate, and good vibration dampening
characteristics. » excellence compression set
» good resilience and abrasion
» good surface friction properties

Primary Uses Application Disadvantages

O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
for: » poor resistance to attack by petroleum
» rubber to metal bonded vibration isolators and mounts oils
» automotive diaphragms » poor ozone, UV resistance
» FDA applications for food and beverage seals

FLUOROSILICONE (FVMQ)
Temperature Range (dry heat)
low high
Fluorosilicones combine most of the attributes of silicone with -75 °F 450 °F
resistance to petroleum oils and hydrocarbon fuels. -59 °C 232 °C
Low physical strength and abrasion resistance combined with
Application Advantages
high friction limit fluorosilicone to static seals.
Fluorosilicones are used primarily in aircraft fuel systems. » excellent extreme temperature properties
» excellent compression set resistance
» very clean, low odor and taste

Primary Uses Application Disadvantages

O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components » typically not good for dynamic seals due
for: to friction properties and poor abrasion
» seals (static) for extreme temperature applications resistance
» food applications
» medical devices

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» FDA applications
SILICONE (VMQ)
Temperature Range (dry heat)
Silicone is a semi-organic elastomer with outstanding resistance
to extremes of temperature with corresponding resistance to low high
compression set and retention of flexibility. Silicone elastomers
provide excellent resistance to ozone, oxygen, and moisture. -75 °F 450 °F
Low physical strength and abrasion resistance combined with -59 °C 232 °C
high friction properties limit silicone to static seal applications. Application Advantages
Silicone utilizes a flexible siloxane backbone rather than a » excellent extreme temperature properties
carbon backbone like many other elastomers and has very low » excellent compression set resistance
glass transition temperatures. » very clean, low odor and taste

Primary Uses Application Disadvantages

O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
for:
» typically not good for dynamic seals due
» seals (static) for extreme temperature applications
to friction properties and poor abrasion
» food applications
resistance
» medical devices
» FDA applications
POLYURETHANE (AU) (EU)
Temperature Range (dry heat)

Millable polyurethane exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and low high

tensile strength as compared to other elastomers providing
superior performance in hydraulic applications with high - 60 °F 175 °F
pressures, abrasive contamination and shock loads. Fluid - 51 °C 79 °C
compatibility is similar to that of nitrile at temperatures up to Application Advantages
approximately 175 °F. At higher temperatures, polyurethane has
a tendency to soften and lose both strength and fluid resistance » excellent strength and abrasion resistance
advantages over other elastomers. » good resistance to petroleum oils
» good weather resistance

Primary Uses Application Disadvantages

O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components » poor resistance to water
for: » poor high temperature capabilities
» seals for high hydraulic pressure
» highly stressed parts subject to wear

STYRENE BUTADIENE (SBR)

Styrene-Butadiene (SBR) is a copolymer of styrene and Temperature Range (dry heat)
butadiene.
SBR compounds have properties similar to those of natural low high
rubber. SBRs primary custom molded application is the use in
hydraulic brakes system seals and diaphragms, with the major of - 50 °F 212 °F
the industry usage coming from the Tire Industry. -46 °C 100 °C
SBR features excellent resistance to brake fluids, and good Application Advantages

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 » good resistance to brake fluids
water resistance. » good resistance to water

Primary Uses Application Disadvantages

O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components » poor weather resistance
for: » poor petroleum oil and solvent resistance
» hydraulic brake systems seals and diaphragms
» plumbing applications
ETHYLENE ACRYLIC (AEM)
Temperature Range (dry heat)

low high
Ethylene-acrylic (Vamac ®) is a terpolymer of ethylene, methyl
- 40 °F 300 °F
acrylate, and an acid-containing monomer as a cure site. It
- 40 °C 149 °C
exhibits properties similar to those of Polyacrylate, but with
extended low temperature range and with enhanced mechanical Application Advantages
properties. » excellent vibration dampening
Ethylene-acrylic offers a high degree of oil, ozone, UV and » excellent heat aging characteristics
weather resistance. » good dynamic property retention over a
wide temperature range
» resistance to transmission fluids, water,
glycol mixtures, and alkalies
Primary Uses Application Disadvantages
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
» not recommended for exposure to fuel,
for:
brake fluid, aromatic hydrocarbons or
» Automotive sealing applications.
phosphate esters.
» Automotive transmissions
» Power steering seals
POLYACRYLATE (ACM)
Polyacrylates are copolymers of ethyl and acrylates which Temperature Range (dry heat)
exhibit excellent resistance to petroleum fuels and oils and can
retain their properties when sealing petroleum oils at continuous low high
high temperatures up to 300 °F. These properties make
polyacrylates suitable for use in automotive automatic -60 °F 300 °F
transmissions, steering systems, and other applications where -51 °C 149 °C
petroleum and high temperature resistance are required. Application Advantages
Polyacrylates also exhibit resistance to cracking when exposed
to ozone and sunlight. » petroleum fuel and oil resistance
Polyacrylates are not recommended for applications where the » resists flex cracking
elastomer will be exposed to brake fluids, chlorinated » good ozone resistance
hydrocarbons, alcohol, or glycols. » good heat resistance
Primary Uses Application Disadvantages
» poor compression set performance
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
relative to NBR
for:
» lesser water resistance and low
» Automotive transmissions.
temperature performance than some other
» Automotive steering systems
elastomers
NEOPRENE / CHLOROPRENE (CR)

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 Temperature Range (dry heat)
Neoprene homopolymer of chlorobutadiene and is unusual in
that it is moderately resistant to both petroleum oils and weather low high
(ozone, UV, oxygen). This qualifies neoprene uniquely for - 40 °F 250 °F
certain sealing applications where many other materials would - 40°C 121°C
not be satisfactory. Neoprene is classified as a general purpose
Application Advantages
elastomer which has relatively low compression set, good
resilience and abrasion, and is flex cracking resistant.
Neoprene has excellent adhesion qualities to metals for rubber to » moderate resistance to petroleum oils
metal bonding applications. » good resistance to ozone, UV, oxygen
It is used extensively for sealing refrigeration fluids due to its » excellence resistance to Freon® and
excellence resistance to Freon® and ammonia. ammonia

Primary Uses Application Disadvantages

O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
for: » moderate water resistance
» refrigeration industry applications » not effective in solvents environments
» general purpose seals, hose and wire
FLUOROCARBON (FKM)
Fluorocarbon exhibits resistance to a broader range of chemicals
Temperature Range (dry heat)
combined with very good high temperature properties more so
than any of the other elastomers. It is the closest available
low high
approach to a universal elastomer for sealing in the use of o-
rings and other custom seals over other types of elastomers. 5 °F 390 °F
Fluorocarbons are highly resistant to swelling when exposed to - 15 °C 199 °C
gasoline as well as resistant to degradation due to expose to UV Application Advantages
light and ozone. » excellent chemical resistance
When exposed to low temperatures, fluorocarbon elastomers can » excellent heat resistance
become quite hard (-4 °F) but can be serviceable at low » good mechanical properties
temperatures, although FKM compounds are not recommended » good compression set resistance
for applications requiring good low temperature flexibility.
In addition to standard FKM materials, a number of special Application Disadvantages
materials are available with differing monomer compositions » poor low temperature flexibility
and fluorine content (65% to 71%) for improved low » poor resistance to hot water and steam
temperature, high temperature, or chemical resistance Modifications
performance.
Fluorocarbons exhibit low gas permeability making them well » differing monomer compositions and
suited for hard vacuum service and many formulations are self- fluorine content (65% to 71%) for
extinguishing. FKM materials are not generally recommended improved low temperature, high
for exposure to hot water, steam, polar solvents, low molecular temperature, or chemical resistance
weight esters and ethers, glycol based brake fluids, or hot performance
hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids.
Primary Uses Specialized Applications
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components for
» degree of fluorination (A, B, F, GB, GF,
» Automotive fuel handling GFLT, GBLT, GLT, ETP)
» Aircraft engine seals » copolymer or terpolymer of fluorinated
» High temperature applications requiring good compression set hydrocarbon monomers
» General industrial seals and gaskets
ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE (EPDM)
Ethylene-propylene compounds are prepared from ethylene and Temperature Range (dry heat)
propylene (EPM) and usually a third monomer (EPDM). These low high

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 -60 °F 300 °F
-51 °C 149 °C
Application Advantages
» excellent weather resistance
» good low temperature flexibility
» excellent chemical resistance
» good heat resistance
compounds are used frequently to seal in brake systems, and for Application Disadvantages
sealing hot water and steam.  Ethylene propylene compounds » poor petroleum oil and solvent resistance
have good resistance to mild acids, detergents, alkalis, silicone
oils and greases, ketones, and alcohols. They are not Modifications
recommended for applications with petroleum oils, mineral oil, » sulfur-cured and peroxide-cured
di-ester lubricants, or fuel exposure. compounds
» third comonomer EPDM, copolymer
Ethylene Propylene has gained wide seal industry acceptance for ethylene and propylene EPM
Primary Uses Specialized Applications
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
for: » glycol-based brake system seals
» Water system seals, faucets, etc. » FDA approved applications
» Brake systems » NBR NSF standard 61 for potable water
» Ozone exposure applications applications
» Automotive cooling systems » NBR WRc, KTW water applications
» General Industrial Use
HYDROGENATED NITRILE (HNBR)
Temperature Range (dry heat)
low high
-22 °F 300 °F
HNBR is created by partially or fully hydrogenating NBR. The -30 °C 149 °C
hydrogenating process saturates the polymeric chain with
Application Advantages
accompanying improvements to the ozone, heat and aging
resistance of the elastomer and improves overall mechanical » excellent heat and oil resistance
properties. » improved fuel and ozone resistance
HNBR, like Nitrile, increasing the acrylonitrile content increase (approximately 5X) over Nitrile
resistance to heat and petroleum based oils and fuels, but » abrasion resistance
decreases the low temperature performance. Application Disadvantages
» increased cold flow with hydrogenation
» decreased elasticity at low temperatures
with hydrogenation over standard nitrile
Primary Uses Modifications
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
for:
» acrylonitrile content (ACN) from 18% to
» Oil resistant applications
50%
» Oil well applications
» peroxide vs. sulfur donor cure system
» Fuel systems, automotive, marine, and aircraft
» General Industrial Use
NITRILE (NBR)
Nitrile is the most widely used elastomer in the seal industry. Temperature Range (dry heat)
The popularity of nitrile is due to its excellent resistance to low high
petroleum products and its ability to be compounded for service
-22 °F 212 °F

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 -30 °C 100 °C
Application Advantages
» excellent compression set,
» superior tear resistance
» abrasion resistance
Application Disadvantages
» poor weather resistance
over a temperature range of -22°F to 212°F. » moderate heat resistance
Nitrile is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Variation
in proportions of these polymers is possible to accommodate Modifications
specific requirements. An increase in acrylonitrile content » acrylonitrile content (ACN) from 18% to
increases resistance to heat plus petroleum base oils and fuels 50%
but decreases low temperature flexibility. Military AN and MS » peroxide vs. sulfur donor cure system
O ring specifications require nitrile compounds with low » XNBR improved wear resistance
acrylonitrile content to insure low temperature performance. formulation
Nitrile
Primaryprovides
Uses excellent compression set, tear, and abrasion Specialized Applications
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components
for: » NBR NSF standard 61 for potable water
» Oil resistant applications applications
» Low temperature applications » NBR WRc, KTW water applications
» Fuel systems, automotive, marine, and aircraft » NBR FDA white list compounds
» General Industrial Use

Elastomer Classes & Rubber Compounds Class and Type Details:Due to the number of interacting forces, it
is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR ELASTOMER SELECTION BE RIGOROUSLY
TESTED IN THE ACTUAL APPLICATION, performance assumptions must be checked so that you are
certain that all variables have been carefully considered. Specific properties of the compound will vary with
the formulation or ingredient used to make the compound in addition to the base polymer.