While there are many options available for materials requiring high resistance to chemicals, for those looking for excellent resilience, abrasion and tear strength, natural rubber is still a good choice. It also has a high tensile strength and good compression set. Additional characteristics include an excellent adhesion to metals, good friction resistance and good resistance to organic acids and alcohols. Custom compounding can increase characteristic ranges.
Natural rubber is still used in many applications such as fluid stoppers and as a vibrational dampener. Due to its abrasion resistance, it is also used in many applications where excessive friction would degrade other materials. These uses include shock mounts, gaskets, seals, rolls and hose and tubing.
Characteristics
Natural Rubber is ASTM D-2000 Classification AA. It is known by the chemical definition Polyisoprene
Heat Aging Resistance – Poor
Abrasion Resistance – Excellent
Compression Set Resistance – Good
Tear Resistance – Good
Resilience – Excellent
Tensile Strength – 500-35oo P.S.I.
Elongation – 700% Maximum
Flame Resistance – Very Poor
Weather Resistance – Poor
Ozone Resistance – Poor
Gas Permeability Resistance – Poor
Oil Resistance – Very Poor
Water Resistance – Excellent
Standard Temperature Range: -58° to +158°F. (Dry Heat Only)
Hardness (Shore A): 40 to 70
Industries
Due to its resilience, natural rubber can be used in the Mining industry and in processing industries where shock, vibration and resilience is required absent exposure to chemicals and fuels. It is still used extensively within the Automotive industry as well.