Natural Rubber (NR)

NR can be compounded to give high tensile strength, high resilience, very good compression set, good abrasion resistance and good low temperature properties. NR also has excellent dynamic properties and very low heat build up. This lends itself to tyre and suspension applications. NR is a good general purpose polymer and can be compounded for commercial and very high specification requirements. NR is not suitable for use with solvents, fuels and lubricating oils.

NR compound can be supplied for many different applications. Typically, these include the following:

• Anti-vibration mountings (industrial and automotive)
• Seismic protection equipment
• Tyres
• Bump stops
• Rubber to metal bonding applications

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

SBR can be compounded to give similar properties to NR, but heat resistance is marginally better with SBR. SBR is often used in blends with other polymers to modify physical properties.

SBR compound can be supplied for many different applications. Typically these include the following:

• Tyre tread stock
• Conveyor belting
• Shoes and shoe soles
• Many applications when blended with NR/BR

Chloroprene rubber (CR)

CR can be compounded to give good physical properties with reasonable heat resistance. Due to the halogen content of this rubber it is inherently flame retardant and ozone resistant. Its oil resistance is equivalent to somewhere between NR/SBR and NBR.

CR compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Flame retardant mouldings
• Flame retardant industrial profiles

Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene (CSM)

This polymer is very similar in physical and chemical properties to CR and can be used to produce light fast coloured compounds. It also has better heat resistance and excellent resistance to ozone and weathering compared to standard CR.

CSM compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Inflatable boats and life rafts
• Outdoor applications

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

NBR compounds are used where an application requires a degree of fuel and oil resistance along with good physical properties. The physical and chemical properties of NBR compounds are very much dependant on the Acrylonitrile content of the base polymer.

NBR compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Oil and fuel resistant seals and diaphragms
• Fuel /oil hose lining.

Nitrile/PVC blends (NBR/PVC)

NBR/PVC blends have very similar properties to NBR compounds but with improved resistance to ozone and weathering.

NBR/PVC compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Hoses
• Portable fuel tank covers and liners

Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR )

HNBR is used where outstanding resistance to heat ageing and/or hot oil or fuel resistance is required. It also has good ozone resistance and very good physical properties such as tensile strength and abrasion resistance. HNBR is a high cost, high performance polymer and is used in very demanding applications.

HNBR compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Seals and diaphragms
• Hoses

Acrylic Rubber (ACM) and Ethylene Acrylic Rubber (EAM)

These two speciality polymers can be formulated to produce a range of compounds with very good heat resistance. These are generally used in applications, which require hot oil resistance above the capability of NBR. Physical properties are generally poorer than NBR compounds.

EAM rubber gives slightly better processing characteristics and better physical properties. They are frequently used in low smoke, zero halogen, flame-retardant applications. ACM has marginally better hot oil resistance.

ACM compound can be supplied for the following typical application:

• Automotive fuel seals

EAM compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Automotive hose
• Flame retardant flooring applications

Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)

ECO can be compounded to give very good heat ageing and ozone resistance. The most outstanding characteristic is excellent fuel resistance, generally being used where optimum fuel resistance is required in conjunction with ozone and heat resistance. ECO is second only to IIR in its resistance to gas permeation, it also has good damping properties and a degree of inherent flame resistance.

ECO compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Fuel hose
• Aviation hose

Butyl Rubber (IIR)

IIR can be compounded to give very low gas and moisture permeability, good heat and ozone resistance with good resistance to tear, flex and abrasion. Its main application is calendering, this combined with its excellent weathering and chemical resistance means it is ideal for out-door sheeting. Halogenated versions are produced to reduce processing time.

IIR compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Impermeable membranes
• Roofing membranes
• Bladders

Fluoroelastomers (FKM)

FKM polymers have excellent resistance to heat, fuel and hot oil. Compounds are inherently flame retardant and resistant to a wide range of chemicals including chlorinated solvents. Physical properties are good and are maintained after extended periods at high temperatures. It is not suitable for use in applications in contact with esters and ketones. FKM is a high cost, high performance polymer and is used in extremely demanding applications.

FKM compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Valve stem seals
• Aerospace seals
• High specification ‘O’ rings

Polynorbornene (PNR)

This unique polymer has good processing characteristics at very low hardness levels, and also has good low temperature and compression set resistance on a par with EPDM. PNR can be compounded to give good physical and dynamic properties at very low hardness.

PNR compound can be supplied for the following typical applications:

• Noise reduction
• Vibration reduction
• Protective padding