Excessive heat can gradually degrade the rubber materials, resulting in poor performance and premature failure. Therefore, high temperature applications require high-temperature-resistant rubber products that offer reliable performance no matter what. In this article, we provide information on ENS Rubber, the best extreme temperature-resistant rubber material available.
Natural rubber should not be used in applications where the continuous temperature is above 85°C. For some high-temperature applications, this is not high enough. However, some synthetic rubber grades are chemically engineered to provide superior heat resistance exceeding 300°C. Here is our guide to five of the most impressive high-temperature-resistant rubber materials we use at ENS Rubber.
Silicon
Silicone is the number one extreme temperature rubber available. It offers exceptional high temperature resistance with some compounds that can withstand temperatures up to 305°C. Although suitable for applications involving exposure to UV, ozone, and weathering, silicone is not recommended for use at certain temperatures and may not always offer the required mechanical properties. Silicone is not a high-strength material and is easily torn. However, we do have special grades of compounds that provide better tear resistance than standard silicone. Fluorosilicone also offers high temperature stability but provides additional chemical resistance.
FKM (Viton®)
FKM is a family of fluoroelastomers commonly referred to by DuPont’s brand name Viton®. FKM is an excellent high-temperature resistant rubber that retains its good mechanical properties and chemical resistance (oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids) even at very high temperatures.
CSM (Hypalon)
CSM (CSPE in the US) is another synthetic rubber best known by the now-defunct DuPont brand Hypalon. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, which gives its chemical name, offers excellent resistance to dry heat up to +120 °C. CSM also provides excellent resistance to ozone, UV, weathering, and corrosive chemicals when cured. CSM exhibits good electrical properties, low flammability, and low gas permeability. However, this high-temperature-resistant rubber material offers relatively poor fuel resistance and low compression set.
HNBR
Hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR) is a unique elastomer derived from conventional nitrile rubber through the hydrogenation of unsaturated bonds in butadiene. HNBR is an extremely high-temperature resistant rubber that can withstand much higher temperatures than conventional nitrile, up to +150 °C. HNBR also offers exceptional tensile and tear strength as well as excellent resistance to oils, fuels, many chemicals, vapors, and ozone. It also offers good wear resistance. However, this particular extreme temperature rubber is relatively expensive and incompatible with aromatic oils or polar organic solvents.
EPDM
Synthetic rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), is a copolymer of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers. This synthetic high-temperature-resistant rubber offers excellent heat resistance with optimum performance up to +150°C. It also provides excellent wear, abrasion, vapor, and compression set resistance. Resistant to dilute acids, ketones, and alkalis, EPDM rubber offers poor resistance to petroleum-based fuels, most oils, and non-polar solvents. EPDM is often used as a lower-cost polymer due to its many positive properties, particularly its heat-resistant properties.
Talk to a technical expert at ENS Rubber today to ensure you choose the right high-temperature rubber material for your application. For more information, you can contact us by calling +48 792 554 027 or by e-mail at sales@enskaucuk.com.tr.