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Do You Know The Difference Between Neoprene & Nitrile (NBR) Rubber ???
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Do You Know The Difference Between Neoprene & Nitrile (NBR) Rubber ???
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Do You Know The Difference Between Neoprene & Nitrile (NBR) Rubber ???

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Many Rubber product manufacturersrely on various types of synthetic rubber due to various reasons. The demand for synthetic rubbers over natural rubber has increased very rapidly over the recent past. There are many types of synthetic rubber and they are broadly classified into two categories, namely; general-purpose synthetic rubbers and special purpose rubber. General-purpose rubbers are more common and widely used in many manufacturing processes. Neoprene and nitrile rubber are two such widely used general-purpose rubbers. The key difference between neoprene and nitrile rubber is that neoprene is produced by emulsion polymerization of chloroprene (2-chloro-1, 3-butadiene), whereas nitrile rubber is produced by emulsion polymerization of copolymers of butadiene and acrylonitrile.

Nitrile and neoprene exhibit similar properties, but with differing characteristics that make them useful for different applications. Both materials are elastic, and will return to their original shape when stretched. Nitrile is particularly resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and temperatures, while neoprene is valued for its weather resistance and durability.

What’s the difference between nitrile vs. neoprene for seals, gaskets, and insulation? Both elastomers provide good resistance to compression set and tearing. They withstand the same range of service temperatures, too. Some grades of neoprene offer excellent resistance to abrasion, but nitrile is known for its abrasion resistance at elevated temperatures.

Nitrile and neoprene rubber have many similarities, but there are some important differences between these elastomers. Below we provide a more in-depth look at the properties and advantages of nitrile and neoprene and their industrial uses.

PROPERTIES                  

NITRILE

NEOPRENE

ELONGATION400% to 600%100% to 800%
HARDNESS35 to 9015 to 95
COMPRESSION SETGoodGood
ABRASION RESISTANCEGood to ExcellentVery Good to Excellent
CRACKING RESISTANCE  GoodGood to Very Good
TEAR RESISTANCEGoodGood
FLAME RESISTANCEPoorVery Good to Excellent
MINIMUM TEMP.-34° C to -56° C-34° C to -56° C
MAXIMUM TEMP.+104° C to +137°C+104° C to +137° C
WEATHER RESISTANCEPoorGood
SUNLIGHT RESISTANCEPoorGood to Very Good
OZONE RESISTANCEPoorGood
OXIDATION RESISTANCEGoodGood
WATER RESISTANCEGood to ExcellentExcellent
STEAM RESISTANCEFairPoor to Good
GAS PERMEABILITYFair to GoodFair to Good
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE                                           Generally resistant to Gases, Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, Oils and Fuels Generally resistant to Moderate chemicals and acids, ozone, oils, fats, greases, and solvents
NO CHEMICAL RESISTANCE                        Generally attacked by Ketones, Ozone, Sunlight, Aromatic Oil, Flame, Weather                                                                                        Generally attacked by Esters, ketones, and chlorinated, aromatic, and nitro hydrocarbons

Also read: A Guide To Know The Difference Between Silicone Rubber & EPDM !! 

Nitrile Vs Neoprene Applications

Nitrile rubber is recommended for applications that require oil and fuel resistance, abrasion resistance, and temperature resistance up to 280° F. In mobile equipment and military vehicles, nitrile seals or gasketsare used in carburetor diaphragms, fuel systems, and hydraulic hoses as well as a popular option for highly durable and disposable medical gloves. Nitrile also supports rubber-to-metal bonding, which makes it a good choice for applications in the processing industry. Yet nitrile isn’t recommended for sealing and insulation that requires resistance to fire, sunlight, ozone, or weather.

Neoprene rubber resists fire and withstands sunlight, ozone, and weather. Specific grades of neoprene can also meet flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements for the mass transit industry. Applications include door seals, window seals, hose covers, vibration mounts, and shock absorbers. Neoprene is also used with HVAC units, electrical or electronic enclosures, and weather stripping for fire doors. Neoprene noise isolators are used to reduce sound vibrations from power transformers. Additional applications include expansion joints and bearing pads in built structures.

Compound selection is critical because choosing the wrong rubber can cause more than just a component-level failure. Depending on your application’s specific needs and requirements, both nitrile and neoprene offer a variety of benefits. 

 

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Is Rubber Better Than Plastic ?

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In the past, people have seen the progress of technology. From the simple usage of wood and cement to the invention of metal, mankind has really made great progress to become what they are today. Along with this progress are some changes to their lifestyle. These changes were brought about by the materials surrounding them, and two materials that revolutionized man’s life today arerubber and plastic.

It is quite easy to differentiate between the two. By simply looking at each material, one can immediately tell that a particular thing, or object, is made of rubber and not plastic, or vice versa. The only confusion between the two is when the term polymer is used. Yes, a polymer as a term that greatly denotes plastics, but nonetheless, this term also describes the characteristic of rubbers. Although rubber is more of the specific elastomer (a viscous or elastic variation of polymers), it is still considered to be a polymer for example, CR (chloroprene rubber, neoprene); SBR (styrene butadiene rubber); NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber); and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene).

Certain plastics such as PVC(poly vinyl chloride) and polyethylene can be compounded and cured to have properties that are considered rubber-like. PVC is commonly used in rubber flooring. Vulcanization is an irreversible chemical process which transforms the putty-like, dough-like, or chewing gum-like rubber into a product that has tensile, elongation and memory similar to a rubber band. This amazing transformation from one physical state to another is what makes rubber different from plastic.

Plastics are usually thought of as thermal plastic materials. In other words, when they get hot they soften, and when they get cold they harden similar to candle wax. Rubber, however, over a much higher and lower temperature range will maintain its original room temperature physical properties such as elongation, memory, tensile and hardness. Rubber is tough, holds shape once formed, even at high temperatures. It stretches, snaps back, has good tensile strength and is medically safe, soft, pliable, and pure. It is used to make Sealing products like o rings, washers, seals, grommets, bush etc., automobile tires, rubber bands, sealing gaskets for food boxes, stoppers for medical industry & various other products for a wide range of industrial applications.

Whereas, Plastic has no stretch, it is not pliable, is brittle, and cracks easily. Plastic does not typically have great strength, can’t withstand dishwasher heat. It does not have a good temperature range, does not stretch and is lightweight.

When it comes to choosing the right materials for our products, we always do our research. We want to make sure you’re getting the safest, highly durable, heat resistant, non-toxic & most eco-friendly options for your products. That’s why, when we were creating our leak-proof sealing solutions, we chose rubber over plastic.   

CHARACTERISTICS                                         

RUBBER                                                                                                                            

PLASTIC

ENVIRONMENT SAFETY

BiodegradableNon Biodegradable

DURABILITY

Highly DurableCracks Easily

RECYCLABLE

YesYes

HEAT RESISTANT

Highly heat resistantCan’t resist heat melts easily

HARDNESS

40- 9020-100

ELONGATION STRENGTH

High elongation StrengthDoes not Stretch

LEAK PROOF

Can be molded to any shape, can stretch & fit into any component.Cannot provide sealing as it is hard, cannot stretch & break easily
FDA COMPLAINTYesNo

Rubber is durable, and more eco-friendly than plastic. It lasts longer, and stands up better against heat and cold than plastics. It’s safer for your products, too, with no estrogen-mimicking toxins like BPA to worry about. It is odorless, stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and has no open pores to harbor harmful bacteria. 

Rubber is recyclable, even though you might not be able to leave it with your curbside pick-up, and it can be incinerated safety without toxic off-gassing. When burned, silicone reverts back into its harmless ingredients: amorphous silica, carbon dioxide, and water vapor (unlike plastic which releases toxins when burned).

Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about rubber breaking or cracking for a long time! It’s super durable, resisting melting, breaking, and warping. Chances are our sealing products will outlast for a longer period of time. 

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A Guide To Know The Difference Between Silicone Rubber & EPDM !!

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EPDM and silicone are two commonly used rubbers in industrial applications, with silicone acting as a general use rubber while EPDM is more specialized. Both are sometimes confused with one another. What’s the difference between EPDM and Silicone and when should you use one over the other? 

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It’s a synthetic rubber popular in construction and automotive industries. Silicone, as Polydimethylsiloxane is commonly called, is an inorganic polymer, and based on quartz sand. It’s used in applications that range from automotive and aerospace to food and beverage.

How are EPDM and Silicone alike?

It’s easy to see why there’s some confusion. Both EPDM and silicone:

  • Offer excellent weathering resistance
  • Are excellent as electrical insulators
  • Maintain flexibility down to around -50°C/-58°F
  • Stand up to some chemicals
  • To a varying degree, have great compression set
  • Are popular as water-system seals, O-rings, hoses and membranes
  • Can be finished to an extremely smooth surface
  • Are flame retardant
  • Withstand high temperatures, to a varying degree

That’s where their similarities end, however. Let’s take a look at the advantages that each material offers.

The Advantages of EPDM

  • EPDM has a stable, saturated polymer backbone structure, which gives the material its advantages. 
  • Of all the EPDM rubber is the most water resistant, which is why it’s so popular for outdoor applications and is often used as a roofing material.
  •  EPDM stands up to harsh weather conditions such as sleet and snow.
  • Another reason for its use outdoors, particularly in construction, is its excellent resistance to abrasions and tears and ability to stand up to the degrading effects of weathering, ozone and UV ray exposure.
  • EPDM also offers good electrical resistance. Its chemical properties make it especially suitable for electrical insulation and gaskets. 
  • It resists polar solvents, and not just water, but also acids, alkalis, and phosphate esters. 
  • EDPM does a great job of withstanding steam and low and high temperatures, though silicone can take on even higher temperatures.
  • The material has a low compression set, so it won’t lose much resilience over prolonged pressure.

The Advantages of Silicone

  • Silicone is food safe. It’s an incredibly versatile material, thanks to its chemistry and the many ways that it can be modified. Consequently, it offers vast possibilities.
  • Perhaps its most appealing characteristic is its ability to take on extremely high temperatures, which is why it’s especially popular for masking applications. Manufacturers will all give different melting points based on their experience and own criteria, but generally silicone can stand up to 232°C/ 450°F. Compare that to EPDM’s 148°C/300°F.
  • Like EPDM, Silicone has outstanding resistance to ozone and weathering.
  • Silicone can be modified to stand up to water, as seen by such products as silicone sealants. 
  • On the plus side, Silicone is resistant to automotive brake fluids, while EPDM is not. Silicone also has an excellent compression set, which is even lower than EPDM.

At a glance: EPDM vs Silicone

EPDM

Silicone

Temperature Range: -40˚C – 150˚C/ -40˚F – 302˚FTemperature Range: -55˚C – 250˚C / -67˚F – 4482˚F
Good compression setExcellent compression set
Excellent weather resistanceExcellent weather resistance when modified
Approx. tensile strength 14 MPaApprox. tensile strength 5 MPa
Good abrasion resistancePoor abrasion resistance
 
Not compatible with:
  • Oils
  • Greases
  • Hydrocarbon fuels
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Concentrated acids
  • Halogenate solvents
Not compatible with:
  • Hydrocarbon fuels
  • Alkalis and acids
  • Steam over 121°C/249°F
  • Trichlorethylene
  • Aromatic hydrocarbon
Compatible with:
  • Hot and cold water
  • Alkalis
  • Dilute acids
  • Steam
  • Ketones
  • Fireproof hydraulic fluids
Compatible with:
  • Oils
  • Brake fluids
  • Hot and cold water
  • Salt water
  • High molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons
  • Fire resistant hydraulic fluid

Where will you find EPDM?

Wherever water and abrasion resistance are the first priorities, but EPDM isn’t only for outdoor applications; its water resistance makes it an excellent seal for plumbing applications too. Here are the most popular applications for EPDM and how it’s used.

    1. Used in HVAC:  To Supports thermal expansion and resists vibration. Example – Grommets that isolate vibrations while providing an airtight dust and watertight seal.
    2. Used in Enclosures:  To provide good resistance to polar solvent. Example- Sealing gaskets are used on metal sheets, providing an extra seal while isolating vibrations and keeping enclosures free of dust and water.
    3. Used in Automotive: Bonds quickly with metal, offers a strong barrier against the weather, and reduces force of engine’s vibrations. Example- Flexible top bubble gaskets can be pressed by hand or automation & Dual-hard self-adhesive gaskets for areas that need to stand up to daily rigorous demands.
    4. Used in Masking: As it is resistant to chemicals. Example- Tight seal of Easy pull masking caps prevents paint ingress as well as quick to apply and remove.
    5. Used in Construction: Water and abrasion resistant. Example- Single flipper gaskets create a weather seal around vents, doors and other openings. Flexible profiles can be applied by hand. Used as a roofing membrane, especially for low-sloped buildings.
    6. Consumer Appliances: Protects against vibrations. Example- Washing Machine Foot with Shore A 70 rubber base to prevent appliances from moving due to vibration.

Where will you find Silicone?

Silicone properties include elongation, good thermal conductivity, and high resistance to very high temperatures make it a versatile material. Here are just some of the applications where it’s often used.

  1. Used in HVAC: Excellent compression set. Example- Fan mounts with high elongation provide excellent shock and vibration protection.
  2. Used in Masking: Resistant to extremely high temperatures, which allows for blasting, powder coating, e-coating, anodizing, plating and wet painting. Example- High-temperature plugs provide excellent sealing for plating, anodizing, spray  painting and other finishing applications. Masking pull plugs for threaded and plain through holes  material is flexible  enough to allow for variation in sizes that need masking. Versatile masking straight caps fit over studs, pins or tube ends. Plugs mask threaded and non-threaded holes. Range of colors possible for easy identification.
  3. Used in Electronics: Excellent stability against mechanical and electrical shock and vibration. Example- USB and RJ Plugs protect entry from dirt and moisture ingress.
  4. Used in Industrial: Flame retardant, flexible and protects from radiation. Example-  Fire protection sleeves are self-extinguishing, Mouse tails plug very small holes with tight, sealed fit, Rotary dampers include silicone among other materials to provide damping resistance.
  5. Used in Cable Management: Outstanding thermal range and elongation. Example- Cable straps can be stretched and wrapped around bundles.

Both EPDM and silicone have their merits and drawbacks, depending on the application they’re used for. If you’d like more information on these and other types of rubber, you can check out our blog- https://www.kesaria.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-rubber-material/