Elastomeric Material Selection Guide

Product Development

ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE

The following information is provided as a starting point in the process of selecting an appropriate elastomeric material for specific applications. This information has been collected from various sources and is believed to be reliable, however, no warranty to its accuracy or completeness is implied or expressed. The final determination of the suitability of a material to an application is the sole responsibility of the user. Northwest Rubber Extruders, Inc. or its employees assume no responsibility or liability.

In order to select an elastomeric material for a specific application, the following questions should be considered:

WHAT ARE THE SERVICE CONDITIONS THAT THE PRODUCT WILL ENCOUNTER?

  • Movement – Either static or dynamic
  • Fluid / Chemical Contact – Including any additives or possible contaminants
  • Temperature Range – Minimum and maximum in operation
  • Pressure Range – Minimum and maximum in operation
  • Compression / Deflection / Torsion
  • Vacuum Application – Applied & cyclic

WHAT ARE THE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS?

  • Dimensions – Critical and applied tolerances
  • Configuration – Special shape for a specific use or application
  • Description / Function – Seal, gasket, insulator, cushion, etc.
  • Expected / Desired Service Life
  • Manufacturing / Assembly considerations – Affect on product
  • Regulatory Considerations

WHAT ARE THE QUALITY REQUIREMENTS?

  • Material Specifications – SAEASTM, MiL, ZZ-R-765
  • Material Qualification – Actual testing or compounded to meet
  • Lot Sampling vs. 100% inspection
  • Color or Visual requirements
  • Acceptable Quality Level
  • Inspection Criteria
  • Test Reports or Certification Requirements
  • Trim Level – Required detail to meet visual & functional requirements
  • Test Slab or Specimen Requirements

Typical Characteristics / Resistance Guide

MaterialAdvantagesDisadvantagesWhere UsedApplication Temp. Range
Butadiene (BR), Styrene Butadiene (SBR)
  • Good brake fluid and water resistance
  • Moderate cost
  • Poor petroleum oil and solvent resistance
  • Poor weather resistance
  • Moderate high temperature resistance
  • Tire industry
  • General industrial use
-50°F to 212°F
Butyl (IIR)
  • Low gas permeability
  • Excellent vibration damping
  • Good weather resistance
  • Poor petroleum oil and solvent resistance
  • Moderate resistance to abrasion
  • Moderate compression set
  • Vacuum applications
  • Tire industry
  • Water and steam applications
  • Wire and cable insulator
-40°F to 265°F
Ethylene Propylene (EPM, EPDM)
  • Good low temperature resistance
  • Good heat resistance
  • Excellent weather resistance
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Poor petroleum oil and solvent resistance
  • Automotive brake and cooling seals
  • Outdoor applications
  • Water applications
  • General industrial use
-60°F to 300°F
Fluorocarbon Elastomer (FKM)
  • Excellent weather resistance
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Excellent heat resistance
  • Good compression set resistance
  • Poor low temperature resistance
  • Poor resistance to ketones and Acetones
  • Poor organic acid resistance
  • High cost
  • Automotive fuel systems
  • Aircraft engine seals
  • High temperature applications
  • General industrial use
5°F to 390°F
Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)
  • Excellent temperature resistance
  • Excellent compression set resistance
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Low odor and taste
  • Poor abrasion resistance
  • High friction (CoF), not recommended for dynamic seal applications
  • High cost
  • Automotive and Aerospace applications
  • Medical devices
  • Electrical applications
-75°F to 450°F
Natural rubber, Isoprene (NR)
  • Excellent compression set resistance
  • Good resilience and abrasion
  • Good tear resistance
  • Moderate cost
  • Poor petroleum oil resistance
  • Poor weather resistance
  • Moderate high temperature resistance
  • Automotive applications
  • FDA food and beverage
-60°F to 220°F
Neoprene (CR)
  • Excellent Freon® and ammonia resistance
  • Good weather resistance
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Poor solvent resistance
  • Moderate water resistance
  • Moderate high temperature resistance
  • Moderate petroleum oil resistance
  • Refrigeration applications
  • Automotive applications
  • General industrial use
-40°F to 250°F
Nitrile, Buna-N (NBR)
  • Excellent compression set resistance
  • Excellent tear resistance
  • Excellent oil resistance
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • Poor weather resistance
  • Poor solvent resistance
  • Moderate high temperature resistance
  • Oil resistant applications
  • Automotive fuel systems
  • General industrial use
-20°F to 210°F
Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)
  • Excellent compression set resistance
  • Excellent oil resistance
  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Improved heat, fuel, and ozone resistance
  • Moderate low temperature resistance
  • High cost
  • Oil resistant applications
  • Automotive fuel systems
  • General industrial use
-20°F to 275°F
General Purpose Silicone (MQ, VMQ)
  • Excellent temperature resistance
  • Excellent compression set resistance at lower durometer
  • Low odor and taste
  • Low temperature flexibility
  • Poor abrasion resistance
  • Poor solvent, oil, concentrated acid, and sodium hydroxide resistance
  • High friction (CoF), not recommended for dynamic seal applications
  • Poor compression set at harder durometer
  • Automotive and Aerospace applications
  • Medical devices
  • Electrical applications
  • FDA food and beverage
-75°F to 450°F
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)
  • Good weather resistance
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • Good low temperature resistance
  • Poor chemical resistance
  • Poor compression set resistance at high durometer
  • Moderate high temperature resistance
  • Automotive applications
  • Medical devices
  • Sports equipment
  • General industrial use
-75°F to 210°F
Kraton® G (SEBS, SEPS)
  • Good weather resistance
  • Good water, acid, and base resistance
  • Good low temperature resistance
  • Poor hydrocarbon oil and solvent resistance
  • Poor high temperature resistance
  • Medical devices
  • FDA food and beverage
  • Footwear
-80°F to 160°F
Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Good weather resistance
  • Good water, acid, and base resistance
  • Good tear strength
  • Poor hydrocarbon oil and solvent resistance
  • Moderate temperature resistance
  • Medical devices
  • Wire and cable insulation
  • General industrial use
-20°F to 180°F
High Molecular Weight Polyvinyl Chloride (HMPVC)
  • Good low temperature resistance
  • Good UV resistance
  • Good tear strength
  • Good flex fatigue
    Poor compression set at elevated temperature
  • Poor hydrocarbon, oil and solvent resistance
  • Marine
  • Wire and cable insulation
  • Sports equipment
-58°F to 220°F
NW Rubber Extruders