Many manufacturers utilize heat-resistant gaskets to meet the specific requirements of applications requiring protection from extreme temperatures. There are many benefits to using high heat-resistant gaskets, which are available in a broad range of materials to adhere to industry standards and regulations.
Since 1933, Fournier Rubber & Supply Company has offered top-quality high-temperature gaskets, helping customers identify applications that demand this type of specialized product.
What Are Heat-Resistant Gaskets?
A heat-resistant gasket can withstand extreme operating temperatures, ranging between 350ºF (177ºC) and 2300ºF (1260ºC). The high-temperature material used to construct these gaskets delivers seals with superior reliability, far outreaching the capabilities of materials used to manufacture traditional gaskets.
Seals and gaskets constructed using high-temperature materials can perform well in applications that involve variable heat sources, such as:
Flame
Exhaust
Combustible fluids
Elevated temperatures
When using standard silicone rubber for manufacturing high-temperature sealing gaskets, the durable material can easily handle temperatures as high as 475ºF (246ºC). Special-grade silicone rubber is mandatory for all applications requiring higher temperature, fire, or thermal resistance.
Benefits of Heat-Resistant Gaskets
Using industrial high-temperature gasket material offers a wide range of benefits, such as:
Longevity
Over time, a high-temperature gasket proves to be a valuable investment. The material used to manufacture heat-resistant gaskets can withstand intense thermal conditions and, depending on the operating environment, can last much longer than traditional gaskets.
Durability
Using heat-resistant gaskets on components that come in contact with high temperatures can provide durability to the overall project. Available in a broad range of materials, high heat-resistant gas gaskets can be manufactured using PTFE (Teflon), graphite, natural rubber, and more. Each material offers distinct advantages for temperatures and specific working conditions.
High Performance
If a gasket cannot withstand the extreme heat of an application, the entire operation could fail. Gaskets keep two components separate from one another, and if that function fails, it could prove harmful to the manufacturing process. A domino effect can begin when containment is breached, weighing down production.
Using a heat-resistant gasket that can withstand high temperatures will enable performance at optimal capacity, keeping operations running efficiently.
More Versatility
Heat-resistant gaskets provide several options for use in a wide variety of applications, depending on their characteristics and temperature-resistant properties. Whether a project has limited exposure to a lot of heat or encounters extreme temperatures continuously, a heat-resistant gasket can prove beneficial in both cases.
Resistance to Degradation
The most common cause of containment failure is the degradation of gasket material and adhesives that cannot tolerate extreme heat exposure. Selecting a high-temperature gasket sealant with the required heat resistance properties prevents the product from degrading too rapidly.
Heat-Resistant Gasket Materials
Fournier Rubber & Supply Company offers premium sponge and solid rubber materials suitable for high-heat applications. In regards to elastomeric properties, the following materials are among the best high-temperature performers, with each providing a specific operating range that includes:
Silicone: 400ºF (204ºC) to 500ºF (260ºC)
Fluorosilicone: 400ºF (204ºC) to 500ºF (260ºC)
Fluorocarbon (Viton™): 400ºF (204ºC) to 500ºF (260ºC)
EPDM: >400ºF (204ºC)
Viton™ Sponge: -40ºF to +450ºF (232ºC)
Silicone Sponge: -100ºF (-73ºC) to +500ºF (260ºC)
Conductive Silicone: -100ºF (-73ºC) to +500ºF (260ºC)
Silicone Coated Fiberglass: 500ºF (260ºC)
Viton® Sponge
This material plays an essential role where fluoroelastomers are required, providing a practical low hardness limit of 55 durometers. The material fills a void where softer material is needed but still demands resistance to heat and other fluids
Silicone Sponge
A silicone sponge protects or seals various outdoor lighting, electronic, or communication enclosures while offering improved sealing and durability. The material has a higher tear and tensile strength than lower-grade sponge materials, with a UL-94VO rating. Silicone sponge protects against fire, wind-driven rain, and small dust particles.
Viton® Rubber
The high-performance rubber material is an ideal solution for containing fluids that traditionally lead to the rapid degradation of regular elastomers.
What Are Some Common Applications of Heat-Resistant Gaskets?
Sealing against exhaust and steam emissions and other high-temperature media requires a rigid, durable material that can withstand thermal degradation over fluctuating operating conditions. Non-asbestos fiber and mica gaskets prove beneficial, especially where oxygen exists and standard materials, such as graphite, would fail. Examples of these applications include the following:
Exhausts
Chimneys
Steam boiler processes
Refineries
Fire protection
Power generation
Chemical processing
Hydrocarbon processing
High-temperature gasket seals can efficiently withstand the demands of thermal applications. The rubber compound can handle applications that involve combustible materials or flames and solids, gasses, or liquids at extreme temperatures. The material used to manufacture high-temperature gaskets provides reliable sealing beyond the scope of standard gasket material performance.
Common applications requiring heat-resistant gaskets include the manufacture and processing of hot oils, saturated steam, engine operation, waste gas, and more. These applications demand high-temperature gaskets that can withstand intense temperatures and heat that often exceeds 500ºF (260ºC).
Contact Fournier Rubber & Supply Company for Top-Quality, Heat-Resistant Gaskets
Fournier Rubber & Supply Company offers a wide variety of top-quality, heat-resistant gaskets suitable for use in a broad range of industries and applications. We construct our products of the highest-grade material in the industry and can meet the demands of most applications.
Request a quote and our experienced team will help select a high heat-resistant gas gasket product to meet the specific requirements of your next project.
O-rings are a critical component in the automotive industry. They create a secure seal between two surfaces, preventing leaks by keeping oil and other fluids well-contained. Automotive o-rings and seals can be produced from a wide range of materials to meet a variety of performance needs. In this blog, we will discuss the material options for automotive o-rings, selection considerations, and common applications.
What Types of Materials Are Used for Automotive O-Rings?
O-rings are used in several automotive systems, each with its own environmental challenges. Proper material selection is critical for ensuring optimal performance in each application. Some of the most common materials for automotive o-rings include:
Buna-Nitrile
Also known as Buna-N, this elastomer is widely used due to its excellent oil resistance and good chemical resistance. Buna-nitrile is suitable for environments between -40 °F to 250 °F (-40°C to 121°C), and it has a hardness range of 40 to 90 durometer. It is commonly used in applications such as fuel tanks and other automotive and aerospace-related applications.
EPDM
EPDM is a synthetic rubber providing excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance. It can operate at temperatures between -60 °F to 300 °F (-51 °C to 150 °C) and has a hardness range of 40-90 durometer. EPDM is a highly versatile material that’s used in automotive components in addition to medical devices, household appliances, and more.
Silicone
A non-reactive, stable synthetic rubber, silicone provides excellent heat and cold resistance and can also withstand ozone exposure and prevent fungal growth. It has a hardness range of 30-80 durometer and an operating temperature range of -75 °F to 450 °F(-60 °C to 232 °C). Silicone is most suitable for static applications and is a common material choice for everything from automotive components to medical devices, electronics, and much more.
Viton®/Fluorocarbon
This is a synthetic elastomer that provides excellent resistance to acids, heat, oils, weather, and flame. It has a hardness range of 50-95 durometer and an operating temperature range of -20 °F to 400 °F (-29 °C to 204 °C). Due to its excellent durability, fluorocarbon is used in demanding applications such as chemical processing and automotive equipment.
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What Should You Look For in Automotive O-Rings?
There are many factors to consider when selecting the most suitable automotive o-ring. Firstly, many basic polymers aren’t compatible with fuels, oils, solvent-based compounds, and other substances commonly found in automotive environments. For this reason, it is essential to select a compatible material that is rugged enough to withstand the challenges of your application.
For example, o-rings that are used in high-performance or turbo engines require sturdy construction and a material durable enough to withstand high temperatures, pressure, and chemical exposure. Engine o-rings are specifically created from compatible hybrid materials that perform reliably under these challenging conditions.
When selecting an o-ring for any specific application, it’s important to consider factors such as:
Operating conditions
Chemical compatibility
Durometer
Tear resistance
Sealing pressure
Temperature compatibility
Size
Abrasion, ozone, and electrical resistance
Cost
To ensure your o-ring is compatible with your application, you can perform field tests to ensure all performance requirements are met.
Applications of O-Rings in the Automotive Industry
Many automotive systems require o-rings to create secure seals and prevent leaks. The most common applications include breaking systems, lubricant circuits, and air conditioning systems.
Brake Circuits
As a crucial component of any automobile, brake systems need to perform reliably. O-rings used in brake circuits are exposed to glycol-based synthetic oil as well as extreme temperature and pressure variations. To withstand these conditions, materials with a rubber EPDM Perox base are commonly recommended.
Lubricant Circuits
Engines and transmission components are lubricated with mineral oils that feature other additives, like antifoaming agents. Depending on the specific usage, the fluid temperature varies. Some of the most commonly used materials for o-rings in lubricant circuits include NBR, ACM, and FPM.
Air Conditioning Systems
Automotive air conditioning systems require o-rings to help contain gaseous fluids at different temperatures and state variations. In these applications, o-rings ensure components remain in their designated areas, without flowing into areas they’re not supposed to.
Automotive O-Rings From Fournier Rubber & Supply Co.
Fournier Rubber & Supply Co. has fabricated reliable custom rubber products since 1933. We use a diverse selection of elastomers to create o-rings that adhere to the automotive industry’s rigorous demands. To learn more about our o-rings for automotive applications, contact our team today or request a quote to get started on your solution.
Unlike standard gaskets, medical-grade gaskets are specially designed for safe, effective performance in medical applications. Fournier Rubber & Supply Company manufactures custom gaskets for medical purposes. Having long served this market with gaskets and other manufactured goods, we are knowledgeable about the needs of end users and provide solid sealing solutions that can meet strict industry standards.
Here you’ll learn more about these custom medical device seals, including their benefits and applications.
What Are Medical Grade Gaskets?
Mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and sanitary sealing capabilities are all crucial considerations in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Medical device seals and gaskets can offer protection against fluids, contaminants, electromagnetic interference, and dust. These rubber and plastic components can also resist heat, flame, electrostatic discharge, and electrical conductivity.
When selecting medical-grade seals, consider hardware requirements, temperature, pressure, motion, vacuum, seal life expectations, and your specific process media. The medical rubber grades offered by Fournier Rubber & Supply Company are designed to provide sealing that can endure a variety of process media, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and rigorous cleaning procedures.
Because medical-grade gaskets are now exposed to a broader range of chemicals and temperatures than ever, it is critical to select a seal manufacturer that meets stringent specifications.
Applications of Medical Grade Gaskets
Medical seals are used in almost every type of medical equipment, such as medical pumps, IV components, implant materials, feeding devices, lab equipment, transportation systems, industrial storage, and temperature control devices.
Available in different sizes and shapes, these seals are designed to protect both humans and devices from potentially harmful leakage. Wherever gases or liquids are pumped, drained, transported, contained, or distributed, medical seals keep these process media contained.
We provide medical gaskets for applications such as:
O-rings for dialyzers
Medical appliance seals
Medical diagnostic components
Medical pump seals
Miniature elastomer seals
Benefits of Using Medical Grade Gaskets
Medical-grade gaskets are primarily made of silicone, a compound that is resistant to bacterial growth and moisture. Silicone is non-toxic and biologically inert, and its thermal resilience allows it to be sterilized and stored at high temperatures. The material is also biocompatible, indicating that it can be utilized in medical devices that make direct contact with human tissue. All these features make medical-grade silicone gaskets ideal for sealing and prosthetic applications.
Our medical sealing solutions provide a variety of benefits, including:
Versatility: Medical-grade gaskets can be easily integrated into various applications, including slow dynamic and static applications.
High and low temperature resistance: Silicone gaskets work effectively in both hot and cold environments.
Chemical resistance: Medical-grade rubber washers can withstand substances like alcohol, chemicals, and high-purity water.
Withstands multiple sterilization processes: Medical-grade silicone gaskets can undergo aggressive sterilization processes without breaking down or compromising the integrity of your medical device.
Cost-effective: Producing medical-grade gaskets is relatively inexpensive, so you can get high-performance, reliable gaskets at an affordable price.
Compliant with regulations: Medical-grade silicone gaskets meet stringent medical industry standards.
Customization: Our gaskets are available in materials designed especially for use in the life sciences. We can also tailor our custom medical-grade gaskets to meet your specific needs.
Medical Grade Gaskets and Seals at Fournier Rubber & Supply
Custom medical seals and gaskets are essential components in the medical devices people rely on daily to survive. Fournier Rubber & Supply Company manufactures standard and custom rubber products for nearly every application, including medical applications. Learn more about our rubber gasket products, including the materials we use, the markets we serve, and our capabilities.Contact us orrequest a quote to get started on your solution.
Certain types of materials make gaskets food grade, with different applications for each material. At Fournier Rubber & Supply Company, we offer a selection of food-grade gasket material options based on our customers’ needs. We’ll help you find what you need to meet your unique specifications and design a custom gasket for your application.
When looking for custom food-grade rubber gaskets, you must take certain considerations into account.
What Makes a Gasket Food Grade/Food Safe?
Food-grade gaskets feature several characteristics that make them suitable for food processing and other applications in the food and beverage industry. These factors include:
The ability to withstand high pressures: A food-grade gasket will be able to resist high-pressure levels in food processing, packaging, and other processes.
A wide temperature tolerance: Gaskets must also be able to resist high and low temperatures, with many materials available that meet various temperature resistance requirements. Materials such as nitrile, Neoprene, and EPDM rubber offer wide temperature tolerances for different applications.
Resistance to degradation and bacterial growth: Gasket materials must be highly resistant to acids, oils, and chemicals that might otherwise degrade the gasket material or allow for the buildup of bacteria.
No impact on food quality or safety: The combined features of food-grade gaskets ensure that their use won’t have any negative impact on the quality or safety of food products.
Food Grade Gasket Materials & Properties
Depending on the designated application, businesses can choose from multiple food-grade gasket materials that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for food and beverage processes.
These materials include the following:
FDA Silicone Rubber
This FDA-approved food-grade gasket material offers plenty of versatility to work with various applications. It normally has a white, gray, red, or translucent color and can resist temperatures between -67° F and 450° F, which is why it’s ideal for use in applications with high heat. It’s also suitable for outdoor applications because of silicone’s natural resistance to ozone and ultraviolet light.
FDA Nitrile (Buna-N) Rubber
If you require a material that’s resistant to oil, FDA nitrile rubber works well regardless of exposure to oil or grease. It typically comes in white or black and can hold up to temperatures between -40° F and 212° F. It can also handle discharge and suction for food and dairy applications.
FDA EPDM Rubber
EPDM rubber’s resistance to ultraviolet light and wear protects gaskets from degradation under exposure to the elements. This feature makes it suitable for grain silos and other outdoor food production applications. It’s black in color and resistant to temperatures between -40° F and 250° F. It’s also highly resistant to oil.
FDA Neoprene® Rubber
This off-white rubber prevents gaskets from breaking down under exposure to various foods and oils. It’s particularly popular in the food and beverage industry because of its FDA-approved composition and tensile strength, with a temperature resistance ranging from -30° F to 220° F.
FAQ
Are silicone gaskets food safe?
Silicone gaskets work in many food processing and packaging applications because of their food-safe features. Silicone has high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, and water repellence. It’s also resistant to aging, ozonation, and weathering.
How do food-grade gaskets work?
Food-grade gaskets use food-safe materials that prevent contamination during any type of process in food and beverage production. Unlike other gaskets, they offer superior sterility and flexibility.
What are food-grade gaskets?
Once the FDA approves and rates gasket materials, gaskets composed of these materials are considered food-grade products. Although the FDA doesn’t approve gaskets, gaskets using these materials and FDA-approved manufacturing processes remain compliant with FDA regulations.
Why Choose Fournier Rubber & Supply Company for Food-Grade Gaskets?
If you need food-grade gasket materials and custom gaskets for food and beverage applications, Fournier Rubber & Supply Company will provide you with the ideal solutions. Depending on the needs of your application, we offer custom gaskets made with either silicone rubber or EPDM rubber materials.
Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and reach out with any questions you have, orrequest a quote to get started on a custom food-grade gasket design.
Gaskets are crucial sealing and cushioning materials for various residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Selecting the right kind of polymer for the gaskets is key to preventing repair costs, downtime, and other adverse effects should the sealing fail.
Silicone and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) are popular materials used for gaskets. However, their properties have different pros and cons for certain applications, so the best material choice depends on your industry or application.
Read on to learn more as we discuss the differences between EPDM vs. silicone gaskets, including their respective properties, compositions, benefits, and applications.
What Is EPDM?
EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber created by mixing various proportions of ethylene, propylene, and diene. The major component is ethylene, which takes up 45% to 75%, while diene monomers give EPDM its cross-linking structure that provides great flexibility, resilience, and durability. EPDM’s molecular mesh structure also gives it superior elasticity and resistance to aging.
EPDM rubber is resistant to heat, cold, ozone, steam, electricity, UV rays, abrasion, and water, so it is preferred for various outdoor and harsh environments. Some of its applications include non-slip coatings for decks, cooling system hoses, roofing, HVAC systems, plumbing, and window and door seals in vehicles.
Pros & Cons of EPDM
Here is an overview of the advantages of using EPDM gaskets:
Lower cost than silicone: EPDM is a great choice if you are looking for a cost-effective option with excellent performance in harsh outdoor conditions.
Water resistance: EPDM is more resistant to water than other rubbers, so it’s a popular choice for roofing and plumbing.
Steam resistance: This rubber can function in steam conditions up to 392 °F without air and remains stable in high temperatures.
Abrasion and weather resistance: EPDM rubber has excellent resistance to abrasion and can withstand the degrading effects of ozone, weathering, and UV ray exposure.
High tensile strength: EPDM has a higher tensile strength compared to silicone and other polymers.
EPDM has some disadvantages in certain applications:
Not food-safe: EPDM rubber is unsafe for food applications due to its chemistry and formulation.
Does not withstand automotive fluids: EPDM breaks down with exposure to automotive fluids such as hydrocarbon fuel, grease, and oil.
What Is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone or polysiloxane is an inert synthetic compound available in different forms, including rubber, resin, or oil. Silicone rubber is manufactured by extracting silicon from silica, passing it via hydrocarbons, and combining the resultant material with chemicals to form the rubber. It’s a polymer that contains silicon, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and sometimes other elements.
Silicone is highly flexible and temperature-resistant. It is also gas permeable, nonstick, hypoallergenic, flame-resistant, and chemically inert. These properties make silicone a popular choice for adhesives, sealants, medical applications, insulation, cookware, and lubricants.
Suitable for a wide range of applications: Silicone is highly versatile and ideal for a wide range of applications.
High thermal resistance: It can withstand extremely high (482 °F) and low (-67 °F) temperatures.
Food-safe: Silicone is safe to use in food and beverage processing applications due to its unique chemistry.
Resistant to automotive fluids: Silicone does not degrade with exposure to automotive fluids.
Good compression set: The material has an even better compression set than EPDM.
Long lifespan: Silicone has a longer lifespan, saving on replacement costs and reducing equipment downtime.
The material has some drawbacks if these factors influence your project:
Expensive: Silicone costs more based on the specific material formulation.
Swells when exposed to water: Silicone is not suitable for water-based applications because it swells when exposed to water.
EPDM vs. Silicone Properties
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the differences between EPDM and silicone gaskets:
EPDM
Silicone
Temperature Range
-40 °F to 302 °F (-40 °C to 150 °C)
-67 °F to 482 °F (-55 °C to 250 °C)
Weather Resistance
Excellent
Excellent when modified
Oil Resistance
Poor
Great
Tear Strength
Great
Good
Abrasion Resistance
Good
Poor
Ozone/UV Resistance
Excellent
Excellent
Dielectric Properties
Poor
Excellent
Flame Resistance
Good
Great
Acid/Alkali Resistance
Excellent
Poor
Tensile Strength
14 MPa
5 MPa
Industrial Rubber Gaskets From Fournier Rubber & Supply
While gaskets are relatively inexpensive components, it’s important to choose the right gasket material for your specific use. Most gasket failures occur because the material is wrong for that environment. So, before choosing either EPDM or silicone rubber as a gasket material, you should first consider the extent to which these factors will influence gasket performance:
Silicone gaskets are resistant to UV, ozone, water, and corrosion, and they provide excellent performance across a wide range of temperatures. These flexible, durable, and resistant sealing solutions deliver various benefits that make them ideal for use in several industries and applications.
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Benefits of Silicone Gaskets
Silicone gaskets provide the following advantages:
Thermal stability. Silicone gaskets can withstand temperatures between -40 and 230° C. They remain flexible at both low and high temperatures without becoming brittle or losing their shape and durability.
FDA approved. Silicone is an FDA-approved material, meaning silicone gaskets can be used in industries such as food processing, healthcare, medical, and others that require non-toxic materials.
Environmental resistance. High-temperature silicone gaskets are flame-retardant for use in high-heat applications like telecommunications and mass transportation. They are ideal for outdoor applications due to their resistance to water, UV, ozone, and various temperatures. Silicone gaskets can also hold up to various chemicals, including solvents, oil, acids, bases, and more.
Durability. Due to its resistive properties, silicone offers excellent durability. This makes them a cost-effective option because they can last a long time without showing wear or requiring maintenance.
Electrically conductive. Silicone gaskets conduct electricity, allowing them to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for electrical components.
Applications of Silicone Gaskets
Various applications rely on silicone gaskets to prevent fluid leakage. These include:
Food Processing
The food industry depends on FDA or food-grade silicone gaskets for various processing applications to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Silicone is a popular choice in this industry due to its excellent sealing properties and high temperature rating. Various food processing machines and equipment rely on silicone gaskets, such as cake mixers and dough mixers in industrial bakeries.
Oil & Gas
Silicone gaskets resist oils, fuels, and a range of chemicals. The oil and gas industry depends on silicone materials like fluorosilicone gaskets to withstand extreme temperatures and seal oil, fuel, and coolant. Fluorosilicone resists wear and abrasion, making it suitable for static and dynamic sealing applications.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry relies on silicone gaskets to seal aircraft and space shuttle components, such as engine parts, vent ducts, door and window seals, and more. Aircraft equipment must not fail during operation, and silicone gaskets deliver the reliability necessary for the harsh conditions aircraft components face. Silicone gaskets resist ozone, UV rays, and extreme temperatures, making them preferred for aircraft.
Transportation
The strength, durability, and stability of silicone rubber gaskets make them ideal for industrial, commercial, and consumer vehicles as well as buses, trains, and heavy machinery. Silicone gaskets can dampen vibration and seal out external factors, providing a high-performance seal for radiators, HVAC components, interior doors, and electrical enclosures.
Medical & Healthcare
Silicone gaskets are ideal for medical and healthcare applications. The material resists the growth of bacteria and repels moisture, making it suitable for sealing medical equipment and prosthetics. Silicone is biologically inert and non-toxic, and its thermal stability means it can be sterilized and stored at high temperatures. Silicone gaskets also pass biocompatibility testing, meaning they can be used in various medical devices that come into contact with human skin.
Construction
Building and construction applications rely on silicone gaskets to seal doors, windows, and electrical equipment enclosures. Silicone is ideal for providing a watertight seal, and it is perfect for various outdoor construction applications due to its ability to withstand UV rays, weather, ozone, and various temperatures.
Electronics
Silicone gaskets are suitable for a variety of electronic devices and equipment. They can keep water from entering the device and protect the components from heat, corrosion, and EMI.
Silicone Rubber Gaskets From Fournier Rubber & Supply Company
Silicone rubber gaskets offer a variety of benefits and provide a reliable seal for a wide range of applications. At Fournier Rubber & Supply Company, our superior rubber products have been satisfying customers for nearly 90 years. We offer a range of custom silicone gaskets for every application. Contact us to learn more about our silicone gasket solutions or request a quote today.
Rubber is used in the manufacture of countless parts and products. Given the many rubber materials available, manufacturers can choose a variation that suits their exact part and production needs, ensuring the finished component operates and performs as intended. However, the broad selection can also make it difficult to select the right material. It is important to carefully evaluate the unique characteristics of each rubber option to ensure you choose the one that is best suited for your
requirements and restrictions.
Two of the most commonly utilized rubber materials are ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and silicone rubber. Below, we highlight the characteristics of each material to help you determine which—if any—of the materials are suitable for your application.
Overview of EPDM Rubber
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Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is a synthetic rubber. It exhibits high tensile strength and retains flexibility in a wide range of temperatures (between -40° C and +130° C). Additionally, it is extremely resistant to abrasion, heat, oxidation, UV, ozone, water, acids, alkalis, and steam. However, it can swell when exposed to oils and petroleum.
Due to its excellent durability, EPDM is commonly used for applications involving exposure to extreme weather conditions and outdoor environments (e.g., construction and roofing). Additionally, its electrical resistance makes it ideal for use in certain electrical applications.
Some of the industries that commonly use EPDM rubber include:
Automotive
Construction
Consumer appliances
Electrical/electronics
General industrial
HVAC
Overview of Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is a polymer consisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and silicone. It is valued for its extreme temperature resistance and broad thermal stability (-60° C and +230° C). It also has extremely high tensile strength, exceptional flexibility, and excellent tear resistance. It can also retain its shape after being compressed for long periods of time and resist damage stemming from chemicals, UV radiation, ozone, fire, water, and microbial growth.
The durability of silicone makes the material ideal for a wide variety of industrial applications. Its formulation can also be easily modified to suit specific needs. For example, food-grade silicone materials are available for use in food and beverage industry applications. However, it is important to note that certain silicone rubber formulations may swell or become damaged when exposed to water. Additionally, it is generally not recommended for use with abrasive substances, steam temperatures
greater than 121° C, hydrocarbons, acids, and alkalis.
Some of the industries that commonly use silicone rubber include:
Aerospace
Automotive
Construction
Consumer goods
Food and beverage
Medical
Superior Rubber Solutions From Fournier Rubber & Supply Company
Want additional help choosing between silicone rubber and EPDM rubber for your application? Ask the experts at Fournier Rubber & Supply Company. We’ve worked with a broad selection of natural and synthetic rubber for over eight decades. This extensive experience provides us with the knowledge and skills necessary to help you find the perfect material for your needs.
If you have any questions or concerns about a specific rubber material or rubber material options in general, contact us today. Our team is ready and willing to help you discover the right solution for your product and application.
At Fournier Rubber & Supply, we have hundreds of O-rings available in different sizes and materials for virtually any commercial, consumer, and industrial application. Choosing the right O-ring guarantees better performance, so we’ve compiled this guide to different types and materials to help you select the best type of O-ring for your needs.
Rubber O-Ring Types
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Rubber materials are cost-effective and hold their shape well, making them ideal for use in sealing applications. Some of the most popular rubber material options we have in our O-ring inventory include:
Silicone O-rings. Silicone resists fatigue, flex damage, and damage from high temperatures. It can also withstand ozone and UV radiation for outdoor applications. These O-rings provide insulation, flexibility, and reliable sealing capabilities in static use cases.
EPDM O-rings. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is a cost-effective synthetic material that resists damage from mild chemicals, acids, and steam. These O-rings are commonly used in water systems, automobiles, and manufacturing and production systems for food, dairy, and pharmaceutical products.
Neoprene O-rings (chloroprene). Neoprene is an excellent material for outdoor O-ring applications where the component will face exposure to the elements. Neoprene O-rings resist damage from weather, water, oxidation, and UV radiation. They also withstand exposure to coolants and ammonia, making them a popular choice for refrigerator assemblies.
Viton O-rings (fluorocarbon elastomer). Viton is a relatively hard rubber that retains its characteristics in temperatures from -20°F to 400°F. It features excellent resistances to chemicals, fire, weather, and oils. It also resists physical damage, providing long-term performance in rough conditions.
Nitrile (NBR) O-rings. Nitriles—especially high-concentration nitriles—resist oils and fuels, so they won’t break down in the presence of these and other petroleum products. This makes them an excellent choice for use in fuel systems and machinery. The material also complies with many military material standards. Of note, nitrile O-rings can become inflexible at low temperatures.
Clear O-rings. These thin, flat O-rings are transparent, making them an ideal choice for highly visible applications or sensitive assemblies that need high standards of cleanliness. Clear O-rings are chemically inert, non-toxic, and odorless, so they won’t interfere with the production of consumable goods. Most clear O-rings are made from silicone compounds.
Teflon O-rings. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)—commonly known by the brand name Teflon—is a synthetic alternative to elastomers that resists corrosion, works well in electrical environments, and retains its positive characteristics across a wide temperature range. PTFE O-rings also have an extremely long lifespan.
Teflon-encapsulated O-rings. Teflon encapsulation gives these O-rings an excellent level of chemical resistance. Because these O-rings have a rubber core, they retain flexibility and resistance to high temperatures.
Aflas O-rings (TFE/P). Aflas O-rings offer resistances to steam, water, other chemicals, high temperatures, and caustic environments. This makes them ideal for use in processing assemblies that handle the production of liquid goods, such as oil.
Metric O-rings. For equipment and assemblies measured in metric units, these O-rings are measured in millimeters for easy sourcing and ordering of O-rings that fall outside of normal AS568 sizes.
Urethane O-rings. Polyurethane rubbers include polyester urethane (AU) and polyether urethane (EU), both of which are strong and wear-resistant. Polyester urethane O-rings can resist oils and solvents, though they may weaken when exposed to water. Polyether urethane O-rings can resist low-level fuels and oils while also resisting hydrolysis.
Fournier Rubber & Supply also provides custom O-rings constructed from vulcanized rubber upon request.
Factors to Consider When Choosing O-Ring Material
As you select materials, keep these important factors in mind:
Properties. The type of material you choose may have a long or short lifespan, may require different production techniques, and can cost more or less than comparable materials.
Temperature. Consider the operating temperature your O-ring needs to function within. Nitrile-based O-rings are popular for high-temperature applications, whereas different silicones can resist wider temperature ranges.
Flexibility. The inner diameter of your O-ring must be smaller than the installation groove in its mating component, and it must stretch to fill that groove. This characteristic helps ensure a reliable seal.
Pressure. Consider the hardness of the material. A higher application pressure for the O-ring will require higher shore hardness.
Size. Choose the appropriate size based on the size of the mating surface’s groove—both diameter and the groove’s width—and the flexibility of the material.
Surface finish. O-rings should fall within a tight surface roughness range of 5-16 µ inch RMS to minimize the risk of friction or accelerated wear.
Choosing the Right O-Ring Supplier
O-rings must be constructed from the right material to withstand environmental conditions and offer reliable performance during operations. Beyond material, it’s just as important to choose the right supplier. Look for an O-ring supplier that can:
Meet your material and production requirements
Operate within your timeline and budget
Offers customization
Provide reliable delivery
To see how Fournier Rubber can meet your needs as an O-ring supplier, please contact us today.
Founded in 1933, Fournier Rubber & Supply Company has since established itself as an industry-leading supplier of gaskets and rubber and plastic products. We offer high-quality industrial rubber products from reputable manufacturers and, for highly specialized or unique applications, custom manufacturing capabilities for custom-tailored gaskets and hose assemblies. Equipped with over 80 years of experience handling rubber materials, our team is well-aware of the unique characteristics demonstrated by each of the different types of rubbers.
Rubber is an elastic material that can be produced naturally from various plant sources or synthetically through a variety of chemical processes. It has been in use for thousands of years, during which time it has been produced in numerous variations with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
It serves as an essential raw material in the production of everything from automobile tires to surgical gloves. However, successfully producing these components necessitates choosing the right type of rubber for the given part design and application environment. For this reason, we’ve provided an overview of some of the most commonly available rubber types, outlining what they are, their key properties, and their typical uses.
Basic Properties of Rubber
As indicated above, rubber comes in several variations, each of which has unique properties. However, most—if not all—rubbers also share a few common characteristics, such as:
Elasticity: The molecular structure of rubber materials allows them to return to their normal shape after being compressed or stretched. This characteristic is apparent in rubber bands. Stretching or compressing a rubber band temporarily pulls or pushes the individual molecules out of alignment with each other. As the molecules are attached to one another, they return to their original position once the stretching or compressing force is removed.
Thermal contraction: While most materials expand when heated, rubber contracts. This unusual phenomenon results from how the rubber molecules respond to heat. When heat is applied, the already-tangled molecules become more tangled and twisted. When heat is removed, the molecules return to their resting state and the rubber regains its original shape.
Durability: Most rubbers are highly durable, resisting damage and degradation from abrasive and tearing forces, impact, low temperatures, and water. They also exhibit a relatively slow heat buildup rate.
Types of Rubber
Each type of rubber material—whether natural or rubber—demonstrates distinct properties that make it suitable for certain applications. Some of the most common types of rubber and their properties include:
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber—also known as India or gum rubber—is derived from the milky liquid (i.e., latex) present in the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Some of the material’s key characteristics are high tear and tensile strength, resilience, and resistance to abrasion, friction, extreme temperatures, and water swell. Typical uses include adhesives, flooring and roofing, gloves, insulation, and tires.
Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene rubber—also called chloroprene—is one of the oldest types of synthetic rubber. Compared with natural rubber and other synthetic rubbers, it exhibits an exceptionally low susceptibility to burning, corrosion, and degradation. This quality makes it the perfect base material for adhesives and corrosion-resistant coatings. Its ability to maintain good mechanical properties over a wide temperature range also suits it for use in high-pressure gaskets, belts, and window and door seals.
Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber—also referred to as polysiloxane—is known for its malleability, biocompatibility, and resistance to extreme temperatures, fire, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is available in both solid and liquid forms in a variety of colors. Its chemically inert nature makes it ideal for use in parts and products that demand biocompatibility (such as gloves, respiratory masks, implants, and other medical products) and chemical resistance (such as baby care items, cosmetic applicators, and food containers and instruments).
Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber—also known as Buna-N rubber or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)—demonstrates several desirable mechanical and chemical properties, such as resistance to compression set, heat, oil and gas, and wear. These traits make it suitable for use in automotive gaskets and seals, O-rings, and engine hoses. It is also used in medical products (e.g., surgical gloves) since it lacks the allergenic proteins of latex-based rubbers and maintains its structural integrity better than silicone rubber.
EPDM Rubber
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is a synthetic rubber that exhibits excellent durability, resisting damage and degradation from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. These qualities make it suitable for use in outdoor parts and products, such as roofing sealants, hoses, and seals. Its superior noise and thermal insulation properties also suit it for use in automobile systems.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene characterized by its superior hardness and durability. It demonstrates better abrasion, alcohol, compression set, and water swell resistance than some of the more expensive synthetic rubbers, which makes it ideal for use in seals integrated into hydraulic brake systems. Other common uses include cutting boards, gaskets, and shoe soles.
Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber—also known as isobutylene isoprene—offers one of the highest levels of gas impermeability. This quality, combined with the material’s excellent flexibility, makes it suitable for the manufacture of airtight components, such as inner tubes, sport balls, and sealants. As a liquid compound, it is also often used as an additive in diesel and petroleum fuels and chewing gums.
Fluorosilicone Rubber
Fluorosilicone rubber—also called FVMQ—is highly resistant to extreme temperatures (-100–350 degrees Fahrenheit), transmission fluids, petroleum oils and fuels, synthetic lubricants, fire, and ozone. These properties make it an ideal material for aircraft fuel systems and other highly specialized industrial applications.
Contact the Rubber Experts at Fournier Rubber Today
The above guide serves as an overview of the different types of rubber and their properties to help customers determine which material is best-suited for their applications. If you have additional general questions about rubber material or specific questions about a particular rubber material, turn to the experts at Fournier Rubber.
At Fournier Rubber & Supply Company, we’ve worked with both natural and synthetic rubber for over eight decades. By leveraging the knowledge gained for this experience, we can identify or custom manufacture rubber gaskets, hose assemblies, and other products for a wide range of customer needs. To learn more about rubber or our rubber products and services, check out our About Us page or contact us today.
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O-rings are used in several automotive systems, each with its own environmental challenges. Proper material selection is critical for ensuring optimal performance in each application. Some of the most common materials for automotive o-rings include:
EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber created by mixing various proportions of ethylene, propylene, and diene. The major component is ethylene, which takes up 45% to 75%, while diene monomers give EPDM its cross-linking structure that provides great flexibility, resilience, and durability. EPDM’s molecular mesh structure also gives it superior elasticity and resistance to aging. 
Rubber is used in the manufacture of countless parts and products. Given the many rubber materials available, manufacturers can choose a variation that suits their exact part and production needs, ensuring the finished component operates and performs as intended. However, the broad selection can also make it difficult to select the right material. It is important to carefully evaluate the unique characteristics of each rubber option to ensure you choose the one that is best suited for your
