3 Common Synthetic Rubbers Used in Rubber Gasket Production

Rubber gaskets are among the most common industrial products made from synthetic rubber.
This article introduces three key types widely used in gasket manufacturing: NBR rubber, EPDM–Neoprene, and Silicone rubber.

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1. NBR Rubber (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

NBR rubber, also known as Buna-N or nitrile rubber, is a synthetic oil-resistant rubber made from copolymerizing acrylonitrile and butadiene.
It is best known for its outstanding resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels.

Key Characteristics:

• Excellent resistance to oil, fuel, and hydrocarbon solvents

• Good elasticity and tensile strength

• Resistant to vegetable oils and many mild acids

• Retains flexibility under compression and tension

Applications:

NBR is commonly used to produce:

• Fuel hoses and oil-resistant tubes

• Industrial rubber gaskets and seals

• Rubber rollers and mechanical components

Limitations:

• Sensitive to alkalis, concentrated acids, ozone, and chlorine

• Poor resistance to ketones, esters, aldehydes, and nitro hydrocarbons

• Higher production cost compared to other rubbers

Commercially, NBR grades are classified by tensile strength — 3 MPa, 5 MPa, 8 MPa, etc.

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2. EPDM and Neoprene Rubber

EPDM Rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM is an elastomer synthesized from ethylene, propylene, and sometimes a diene comonomer.
It’s well-known for excellent heat, ozone, and weather resistance.

Thermal Range:

From −50°C to +150°C, making it ideal for both cold and hot environments.

Applications:

• Rubber seals and gaskets for tanks and machinery

• Waterproof membranes

• Industrial insulation and steam-resistant components

Chemical Resistance:

• Resistant to steam, sunlight, ozone, acids, and alkalis

• Not compatible with oil, fuel, or hydrocarbon solvents

Vulcanization Types:

• Sulfur-cured EPDM: Standard-grade, max operating temperature ~120°C

• Peroxide-cured EPDM: For hot water, steam, alcohols, and organic acids

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Neoprene Rubber (Chloroprene Rubber)

Neoprene, often paired with EPDM in industrial gaskets, offers:

• Superior flame resistance

• Good chemical stability

• Excellent durability against oils and moderate weather conditions
  This makes Neoprene suitable for anti-corrosion coatings, hoses, and flame-retardant seals.

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3. Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is a high-performance polymer containing silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Unlike most synthetic rubbers that rely on carbon backbones, silicone features a Si–O–Si polysiloxane chain, which gives it exceptional flexibility and stability.

Key Advantages:

• Chemically inert and extremely stable

• Withstands temperatures from −55°C to 300°C (−67°F to 572°F)

• Retains elasticity in both extreme cold and heat

• Odorless, non-toxic, and weatherproof

Applications:

• Electrical insulation materials

• Automotive and food industry components

• Sportswear, footwear, and protective clothing

• Medical devices and implants

• Sealants and adhesives

Note:

Silicone is a premium-grade synthetic rubber, offering superior performance compared to NBR or EPDM — but at a significantly higher cost.

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Summary

Each type of synthetic rubber brings unique properties for specific industrial environments.
Selecting the right material ensures the durability, safety, and performance of your rubber gaskets.