A Guide to Rubber Gasket Materials

General guidelines for choosing rubber gasket materials

Rubber gasket materials are crucial components in many industrial and mechanical applications. They are used to seal joints and prevent fluid or gas leakage, making them essential in a wide range of industries, from automotive, marine, and aerospace to construction and mining. They also offer excellent resistance to heat, cold, and chemicals, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Rubber elastomers can be manufactured into different gasket shapes and sizes to meet specific application requirements. Some common gasket shapes include round, square, oval, and rectangular; they can also be custom-made based on application. With so many different types of rubber gasket materials available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we will cover some of the most common rubber gasket materials and their uses.

Nitrile Rubber (Buna-N)

Nitrile, also known as Buna-N, is a popular synthetic elastomer that is manufactured from a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. This material is ideal for machinery gaskets and is perfect for those in and around oil and gas handling equipment due to its high resistance to oil and gasoline. It is also a great choice for gasket materials that will be in contact with hydrocarbons.

Available selections of Nitrile Rubber include:

Neoprene Rubber

Neoprene rubber is a synthetic rubber that is known for its resistance to weathering, ozone, and chemicals. Due to its excellent electrical insulating properties and favorable physical characteristics, it is highly suitable for usage as gaskets in electrical and electronic applications.

Available selections of Neoprene Rubber include:

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is a versatile and high-performance material that can withstand high temperatures, weathering, and chemicals. It is also flexible and has good electrical properties, making it an excellent choice for gaskets in food processing and medical applications.

Available selections of Silicone Rubber include:

EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber is a synthetic rubber that is known for its resistance to weathering, ozone, and chemicals. It is a high-density synthetic rubber used most commonly as a sealing material in the Marine, Construction, and Automotive industries due to its excellent resistance to environmental factors such as ozone, steam, weathering, and UV. EPDM is suitable for outdoor applications as it has excellent water, heat, chemical and aging resistance, with general resistance to strong oxidizing chemicals and acetone.

Available selections of EPDM Rubber include:

Natural Rubber

Natural rubber is a natural product that is made from the sap of rubber trees. It exhibits a number of positive characteristics including superior resilience, high abrasion and tear resistance, high tensile strength, good compression set, excellent electric insulation qualities, elongation, and molding properties. The gum rubber material also creates a soft seal and displays good flexibility at low temperatures. This elastomer has the ability to bond with other materials such as metal and is soft enough to conform to irregular flanges with bolt heads.

Available selections of Natural Rubber include:

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber is a synthetic rubber made from copolymers of isobutylene and small amounts of isoprene. It is now widely used in various applications due to its excellent air retention, chemical resistance, and impermeability to gases. Butyl rubber is often used in the manufacturing of tires and tubes, as it has very low permeability to air while providing excellent resistance to punctures and abrasion. It is also commonly used in the construction industry for roofing and sealing applications, as well as in the production of adhesives, coatings, and protective films.

Available selections of Butyl Rubber include:

Viton™ Rubber

Viton™ is a type of synthetic rubber made from a combination of fluoropolymer and carbon monomer. It is known for its exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and oil. Viton™ rubber is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals making it a popular choice for use in industries such as automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and oil & gas. It is also highly resistant to high temperatures, withstanding temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees ° Celsius).

Available selections of Viton Rubber include:

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

SBR gaskets are made from a synthetic polymer composed of styrene and butadiene. They are known for their excellent durability, resilience, and resistance to abrasion. SBR gaskets are commonly used in applications where there is a need for a seal to prevent leakage of liquids or gases. They are often used in pipe fittings, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and automotive applications.

Available selections of SBR include:

Choosing the right rubber gasket material depends on the specific requirements of your application. Consider factors such as temperature, pressure, chemical exposure, and the environment when selecting a material for your gasket. By understanding the properties of these common rubber gasket materials, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your gasket meets the needs of your application.

Custom Gaskets specializes in creating custom-shaped gaskets of any size to meet customer requirements. Using an advanced CNC machine with great precision, combined with our 55 years of experience enables the team to construct the highest quality sealing products. Whether you are looking for high or low-volume production, Custom Gaskets is here to support your ideas and produce sealing solutions for your applications.

Need advice?

Speak with one of the Custom Gaskets specialists to guide you with the most suitable gasket materials based on your application.

For more info contact us at 604-263-1426 or fill out the form below.

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