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O-Rings
Rubber is everywhere—sealing, protecting, cushioning, and insulating across countless industries. But not all rubber is the same. Different types serve different functions depending on environmental factors, chemical exposure, temperature range, and mechanical demands.
Here’s a breakdown of six standard rubber materials, what makes them unique, and where they’re commonly used.
1. Natural Rubber (NR)
Best for: High flexibility and mechanical strength
Natural rubber is derived from latex tapped from rubber trees. It’s one of the oldest and most widely used elastomers, known for its outstanding elasticity and tensile strength.
What to Know:
- Excellent rebound and stretchability
- Great tear and abrasion resistance
- Poor resistance to ozone, sunlight, and petroleum-based fluids
Common Uses: Tires, vibration dampers, shock absorbers, and conveyor belts
2. Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
Best for: Oil and fuel resistance
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber made from acrylonitrile and butadiene. It’s a workhorse in industries dealing with oils and fuels.
What to Know:
- Strong resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids
- Good wear and abrasion resistance
- Limited weather and ozone resistance unless specially formulated
Common Uses: O-rings, fuel hoses, gaskets, and seals in automotive and industrial systems
3. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Best for: Outdoor and water-resistant applications
EPDM is known for its durability in outdoor environments. It’s resistant to aging, UV exposure, and weathering.
What to Know:
- Excellent resistance to sunlight, ozone, and water
- Not compatible with petroleum oils
- Great for steam and hot water applications
Common Uses: Roof membranes, garden hoses, automotive weatherstripping, and seals in water systems
4. Silicone Rubber (VMQ)
Best for: Extreme temperature ranges
Silicone stands out for its flexibility in both hot and cold environments, making it ideal for food, medical, and high-temperature applications.
What to Know:
- Performs across a wide temperature range (-75°C to +200°C)
- Excellent resistance to ozone and UV
- Lower mechanical strength than many other rubbers
Common Uses: Bakeware, medical tubing, gaskets in electronics, and food-grade seals
5. Neoprene (CR)
Best for: Balanced performance
Neoprene was one of the first synthetic rubbers and remains popular due to its balanced resistance to chemicals, weathering, and wear.
What to Know:
- Moderate resistance to oil and weathering
- Naturally flame resistant
- Good adhesion properties
Common Uses: Wetsuits, industrial belts, automotive components, and general-purpose gaskets
6. Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM / Viton®)
Best for: High-performance sealing
When durability, heat, and chemical resistance are critical, FKM (often known by the brand name Viton®) is the go-to choice.
What to Know:
- Withstands extreme temperatures (up to 250°C)
- Excellent chemical and oil resistance
- Higher cost compared to other elastomers
Common Uses: Aerospace seals, chemical-resistant O-rings, fuel system gaskets, and high-performance automotive parts