Raw materials used in rubber manufacturing fall into two main categories: natural rubber derived from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), and synthetic rubbers produced from petrochemical-based polymers. Both groups offer distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on the application’s requirements.
Properties of Natural Rubber
- Superior elasticity and elastic recovery
- High tensile strength and tear resistance
- Good performance at low temperatures
- Low resistance to oils and many chemicals
Advantages of Synthetic Rubbers
Synthetic rubbers such as NBR, EPDM, silicone, and FKM can be specifically engineered to meet the needs of a particular application. This allows properties like oil resistance, ozone resistance, temperature tolerance, or chemical resistance to be optimized. Synthetic rubbers also tend to offer more consistent quality and performance, since their production takes place under controlled conditions.
Which to Choose, and When
- Natural rubber may be preferred for applications requiring high elasticity and dynamic loading
- Synthetic rubbers (NBR, FKM) are more suitable for applications involving oil, fuel, or chemical exposure
- Synthetic rubbers like EPDM offer an advantage in outdoor applications exposed to ozone
- Specialized synthetics like silicone may be required for food-contact or medical applications
Blended Solutions
In some applications, compound formulations that blend natural and synthetic rubbers can combine the advantages of both materials. The right formulation should be determined based on the application’s performance requirements, cost targets, and environmental conditions.
Alpin Rubber draws on extensive experience with both natural and synthetic rubber raw materials, identifying the material and formulation best suited to each customer’s application requirements for custom part production.