Rubber or thermoset elastomers are extremely useful in industrial applications because they are exceedingly durable and flexible. By industry standards, they are the soundest material to utilise in a range of applications. When it comes to moulded rubber components both elastomers and rubber are used. Though the two terms are considered as synonyms, they are actually different because of their:

• Chemical composition
• Uses

How Elastomers are Classified for Industrial Uses ?

1. General Purpose & High Function Component

A general-purpose elastomer is low in cost and best appropriated for tasks that are not:

o very demanding
o exposed to chemicals
o extreme temperatures

A common place where general purpose elastomer products are used is the bumper or parts found in under the hood of automotive. Examples of general-purpose materials are:

o EPDM
o Natural rubber
o Polyisoprene
o SBR
o Silicone

A high-performance material is more expensive. These engineered materials are employed for applications that necessitate durability in harsh conditions. Rubber products made out of them are engaged in automobile parts, petroleum processing plants, and miniature pneumatics. Examples of high-performance materials are:

o FKM
o FSI
o HNBR

2. Oil and Hydrocarbon Resistant Materials

Their cost can range from high to low depending upon how they are designed. They are resistant to swelling and inert to chemicals, i.e., they don’t lose their physical properties after coming in contact with hydrocarbons. Some examples of oil and chemical resistant materials are:

o FKM
o FSI
o HNBR
o NBR
o Neoprene
o Urethane

3. Low And High-Temperature Materials

The price of low-temperature materials varies. The lowest temperature they can be operated in without losing sealing quality and flexibility is -110-degrees F. Some examples of low-temp materials are:

o Butyl rubber
o EPDM
o FKM
o FSI
o HNBR
o NBR
o Neoprene
o Silicone

High-temperature material cost but they maintain their properties without degrading. They are best utilised in nuclear plants. Another application of high-temp elastomers is sealing pressured steam because they do not dissolve or oxidise. A few examples of high-temp resistant elastomers are:

o EPDM
o FKM
o FSI
o HNBR
o Silicone

Rubbers or thermoset elastomer are complicated material. The choice of selecting the best material for an application should only be made after careful consideration. More than the price, the performance of the material has to be factored in the decision. Furthermore, the part’s function and the moulding process required to make it have to be thought over.

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