What are the property Differences Between Industrial Rubber and Rubber Sheets?

Industrial rubber sheets are generally used in technical or mechanical applications. Due to its versatility it can be further processed into stamped and/or shaped parts and also used to dampen vibrations in flooring or table top applications.

All of our rubber sheets are made of industrial rubber, as this material is multi-functional and suitable for applications in a wide variety of environments.

Rubber sheets are usually used as waterproof covers or seals for mechanical applications, in industrial production. In the automotive industry, industrial rubber is used for door and joint seals. In the food and beverage industry, rubber sheets are used as workplace pads and for sealing. Rubber sheets and industrial rubber are also frequently used in the home and for gardening.

Each of these rubbers have very specific properties, which is why it is important to carefully consider which elastomer is best suited for each application before use.

All of these types of industrial rubber are elastomers. The abbreviations stand for:

• EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
• NBR – Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
• SBR – Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (or EPDM) rubbers are characterised by their high resistance to most chemicals. The elastomer is not sensitive to alcohols, ketones and esters, as well as acids and alkalis. This type of rubber is only sensitive to fats and mineral oils.

EPDM rubber sheets are also resistant to the natural elements, ozone and UV radiation.

Due to the chemical structure, ethylene propylene diene monomer has a very high temperature resistance, ranging from -60° C to +160° C, meaning that the plastic is also resistant to water vapor and hot water.

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is characterised by a very high resistance to lubricating oils, however resistance to fuels can only be achieved by special admixtures. NBR is only partially resistant to polar solvents, such as acids and alkalis. Therefore, NBR is usually used when the material is in constant contact with oil and other mineral oil-based greases.

The cold resistance of this elastomer can be influenced by certain additives, but the weather and ozone resistance of NBR is comparatively low.

Rubber Sheets made of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) are easy to get hold of and an inexpensive alternative to EPDM sheets, which are ideal for indoor use.

The weather and ozone resistance of SBR sheets is significantly poorer when compared directly with EPDM rubber, however the temperature resistance is similar, but keep in mind that SBR has a very low flame resistance.

Like EPDM, SBR is resistant to most solvents, such as acids, alkalis and water, but is not resistant to mineral oils and fats.

If the full performance potential of EPDM is not absolutely necessary, SBR may be an inexpensive alternative.

We hope you’ve found this buying guide useful and that you now have a better understanding about the science behind the different materials used to manufacture rubber sheets.