Rubber – the basis of elastomer production

What is rubber?

Rubber is an elastic material characterised by high extensibility, resilience, and versatile chemical adaptability. It serves as the basis for a variety of technical elastomers and is indispensable in applications such as seals, vibration dampers, tyres, and many more. Rubber can be of both natural and synthetic origin.
Depending on the material base and processing method, this results in a wide variety of product forms. From precise Moulded rubber parts for industrial sealing and damping applications, temperature-resistant Molded Silicone for medical and food technology to demanding composite structures – including Metal Composite Parts for power-transmitting assemblies, Plastic Composite Parts for lightweight-optimised solutions as well as Fabric Composite Parts for highest pressure loads.

 

What is the difference between natural and synthetic rubber?

Natural rubber (NR) is obtained from the latex of the rubber tree (Havea Brasiliensis). It is characterised by its high elasticity, tear resistance and Cold flexibility from.

Synthetic rubber is produced industrially from petrochemical raw materials. There are numerous variants, including

  • IR (Isoprene rubber): synthetic imitation of NR
  • NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber): particularly oil-resistant
  • EPDMWeather and ozone resistant
  • FKM (fluororubber): resistant to high temperatures and chemicals
  • VMQ (silicone rubber): temperature- and medical-compatible
  • SBR, CR, IIR and many more for specialised requirements

The choice of rubber type always depends on the application temperature, media resistance, flexibility and Abrasion resistance from.

 

How is rubber processed?

Rubber is usually produced by Vulcanisation into its final, elastic form. This creates a three-dimensionally cross-linked Polymer, which is dimensionally stable, elastic and durable. Typical production methods for processing rubber are