FAQ RUBBER SHEETS
Question 1: How does SBR compare to other rubbers like NBR or EPDM?
Answer: SBR is more abrasion-resistant and flexible than NBR (Nitrile Rubber) but has lower oil and fuel resistance. Compared to EPDM, it is more affordable but has less resistance to extreme weather and ozone exposure.
Question 2: Can SBR rubber be used for high-temperature applications?
Answer: SBR performs well in moderate temperature ranges (up to 70°C) but is not suitable for high-temperature environments. For higher temperatures, consider EPDM or silicone.
Question 3:How do I cut or machine SBR rubber sheets?
Answer: SBR sheets are easy to cut, drill, and machine using standard CNC equipment and cutting tools. Make sure to use the appropriate tool for rubber to avoid damage or a rough cut.
Question 4: Is SBR rubber suitable for outdoor use?
Answer: SBR rubber is suitable for indoor applications and mild outdoor environments. However, it is less resistant to UV radiation and weathering compared to EPDM or silicone. If used outdoors, consider a UV-resistant grade or use it in shaded areas.
Question 5: Is SBR rubber sheet resistant to fuels and oils?
Anwer: No—SBR rubber sheet swells in oil/fuel. Use nitrile (NBR) for oil resistance.
Question 6: How does SBR rubber compare to natural rubber (NR)?
Answer: SBR rubber has better abrasion resistance and aging properties but lower tensile strength.
Question 7: How to clean SBR sheets?
Answer: Use mild soap and water. Avoid solvents like acetone or gasoline.
Question 8: What is the difference among SBR rubber sheets, NBR rubber sheets and EPDM?
Answer: Please refer to the matrix below
Property | SBR | Nitrile (NBR) | Neoprene (CR) | EPDM |
Oil/Fuel Resistance | Poor | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
Temp Range | -40°C to +100°C | -40°C to +120°C | -50°C to +135°C | -50°C to +150°C |
Cost | Low | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Weather Resistance | Moderate (needs additives) | Poor | Excellent | Excellent |
Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate |
Question9: What makes NBR rubber different from other synthetic rubbers?
Answer: NBR rubber is unique for its excellent oil and fuel resistance, making it ideal for petroleum-related applications.
Question10: Can NBR rubber be used outdoors?
Answer: While NBR is durable, it has moderate UV and ozone resistance. For outdoor applications, NBR-PVC blends or EPDM rubber are recommended.
Question11:How do I cut and shape NBR rubber sheets?
Answer: NBR sheets can be cut using CNC machines, utility knives, or water jet cutting, depending on thickness and precision needs.
Question12: Can NBR sheets withstand high temperatures?
Answer: Limited to 120°C continuous use. For higher temps, consider FKM or silicone.
Question13: How does NBR compare to Viton® (FKM)?
Answer: NBR is cheaper with good oil resistance; FKM offers superior chemical/temperature resistance but costs 5–10x more.
Question14: Can NBR be glued or bonded?
Answer: Yes—use cyanoacrylate or epoxy adhesives after surface cleaning with solvent (e.g., MEK).
Question15: What thicknesses of NBR Rubber Sheets are available?
Answer: 1mm to 50mm; standard sheets are 1/16" (1.5mm), 1/8" (3mm), and 1/4" (6mm).
Question16: How to clean NBR sheets?
Answer: Use mild soap and water. Avoid ketones, esters, or chlorinated solvents.
Question 17: What makes EPDM rubber different from other types of rubber?
Answer: EPDM rubber is particularly resistant to weathering, ozone, UV radiation, and high temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor and high-temperature environments.
Question 18: Is EPDM rubber suitable for use in outdoor applications?
Answer: Yes, EPDM is highly weather-resistant and is commonly used in roofing, weather seals, and exterior seals for outdoor use.
Question 19:How do I cut and fabricate EPDM rubber sheets?
Answer: EPDM rubber sheets can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped using standard cutting tools and machining processes.
Question 20: What temperature range can EPDM rubber withstand?
Answer: EPDM rubber performs well within the range of -50°C to +150°C, with some special formulations capable of enduring short-term exposure to higher temperatures.
Question 21: Is EPDM resistant to oils and fuels?
Answer: No—EPDM swells in non-polar solvents (e.g., gasoline, diesel). Use NBR or FKM for oil resistance.
Question 22: Can EPDM withstand steam and hot water?
Answer: Yes—EPDM is ideal for steam systems and hot water applications (up to 150°C).
Question 23: How does EPDM compare to silicone rubber?
Answer: EPDM is more cost-effective and UV-resistant but has a lower maximum temperature limit (150°C vs. 230°C for silicone).
Question 24: Can EPDM sheets be glued?
Answer: Yes—use cyanoacrylate or specialized rubber adhesives after surface cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.
Question 25: Is EPDM recyclable?
Answer: Yes—EPDM can be ground and reprocessed into new products.
Question 26: What makes silicone rubber different from other rubbers?
Answer: Silicone rubber has superior temperature resistance, weather and ozone resistance, and is non-toxic, making it ideal for medical, food-grade, and high-temperature applications.
Question 27: Can silicone rubber sheets be used outdoors?
Answer: Yes, silicone rubber performs excellently outdoors due to its UV stability and ozone resistance, making it ideal for sealing and insulation in outdoor environments.
Question 28:How do I clean silicone rubber sheets?
Answer: Silicone rubber sheets are easy to clean. Simply use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents that may damage the material.
Question 29: How flexible is silicone rubber?
Answer: Silicone rubber remains highly flexible even at low temperatures (-60°C), making it ideal for seals and gaskets in cold environments.
Question 30: Can silicone sheets withstand oils and fuels?
Answer: No—silicone swells in hydrocarbons. Use fluorosilicone (FVMQ) or Viton® (FKM) for oil resistance.
Question 31: Is silicone rubber safe for medical implants?
Answer: Yes—platinum-cured medical grades meet ISO 10993 and USP Class VI for biocompatibility.
Question 32: Can silicone be used in microwaves or ovens?
Answer: Yes—FDA-compliant grades are microwave-safe and withstand oven temperatures up to 230°C.
Question 33: How does silicone compare to EPDM?
Answer: Silicone has a higher temperature range and UV resistance but lower tensile strength.
Question 34: What causes silicone to turn yellow?
Answer: Prolonged exposure to UV light or high heat (>200°C) may cause slight discoloration.
Question 35: How do silicone rubber sheets compared to EPDM, NBR, and FKM rubber sheets?
Answer: Please refer to the table below:
Property | Silicone | EPDM | NBR | FKM (Viton®) |
Temp Range | -60°C to +230°C | -50°C to +150°C | -40°C to +120°C | -20°C to +200°C |
Oil Resistance | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Excellent |
Cost | High | Moderate | Moderate | Very High |
Biocompatibility | Excellent | Moderate | Poor | Poor |
Primary Use | Medical, high-temperature | Outdoor/water applications | Oil/fuel environments | Aggressive chemicals |
- PRE: No more
- NEXT: FAQ NYLON
