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Hostile Environments
The development of synthetic rubbers stemmed from the need to create materials with greater resistance to fuels and oils. Aggressive chemicals, hydraulic oils, food substances and refrigerants all have to be contained and rubbers have to be carefully formulated and tested to ensure safe and predictable service lives.
Typical Applications
Rubber is used for seals and gaskets in almost any chemical environment and for mechanical components in machinery of all kinds. It is also suitable for parts which must be reasonably resistant to normal contaminants, such as printed circuit board components which will be solvent cleaned.
Major Materials
For moderate resistance to oils and fuels:
• Neoprene
• Hypalon
Good resistance to oils and fuels:
• Nitrile
• Viton®
• Silicones
Extreme resistance to many chemicals:
• Viton®
• Acrylic
• Fluorosilicones
For a comprehensive list of suggested rubber types for resistance to named chemicals, consult ISO Technical Report 7620 or the Fluid Sealing Association Technical Handbook.
Examples of Components
Nitrile rubber bearing cup to insulate the commutator bearing of electric motors. This material must withstand high temperature, ozone and grease, as well as copper and carbon dust.
® Registered trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers
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