Elastomers: Chemical and Environmental Resistance
The table below provides a general comparison of the chemical and environmental resistance of common elastomers and synthetic rubbers. It serves as a practical guide when selecting the most suitable sealing material. However, the final material choice should always take the actual operating conditions into account, including the medium, temperature, concentration and mechanical stress.
Explanation: 1 = very good • 2 = good • 3 = limited suitability • 4 = not recommended
All technical parameters are average values.
| Elastomer | Oil | Fuel | Acids | Alkalis | Ageing | Temperature | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM 50 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | -40 to +100 °C | EPDM blend |
| EPDM 60 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | -40 to +100 °C | EPDM blend |
| EPDM 402 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -35 to +100 °C | EPDM blend |
| EPDM Heat | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -40 to +150 °C | EPDM blend |
| EPDM 80 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | -40 to +100 °C | EPDM blend |
| BUTYL® | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | -40 to +100 °C | Butyl rubber |
| FW / Fine-ribbed mat | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -30 to +70 °C | NR / SBR trimmings |
| GU 40 grey | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | -40 to +70 °C | Natural rubber |
| GU 45 white | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -30 to +70 °C | Natural rubber |
| GU 50 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -35 to +70 °C | Natural rubber / SBR |
| GU 52 red | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -30 to +90 °C | NR / SBR |
| GU 67 light | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -30 to +70 °C | NR / SBR |
| GU 70 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -30 to +70 °C | SBR rubber |
| GU 90 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -30 to +70 °C | NR / SBR |
| GU Gas | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -15 to +80 °C | Synthetic rubber / NBR |
| GU GMSB | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -30 to +70 °C | Natural rubber / SBR |
| Hypalon | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -30 to +120 °C | CSM |
| NEO 50 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -20 to +80 °C | CR / SBR rubber |
| NEO 63 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -30 to +70 °C | CR / SBR rubber |
| NEO 60 light | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -20 to +90 °C | CR / SBR rubber |
| NEO 80 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -20 to +70 °C | CR rubber |
| PERB 45 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -10 to +70 °C | NBR / SBR grade |
Explanation: 1 = very good • 2 = good • 3 = limited suitability • 4 = not recommended
| Elastomer | Oil | Fuel | Acids | Alkalis | Ageing | Temperature | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERB 65 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -20 to +70 °C | NBR grade |
| PERB 60 light | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -30 to +80 °C | NBR grade |
| PERB SUPER | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -20 to +120 °C | NBR grade |
| PERB 80 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -20 to +70 °C | NBR / SBR grade |
| Soft PVC 70 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -35 to +50 °C | Regenerated material |
| Soft PVC 80 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -30 to +80 °C | For swinging doors |
| SI 40 TR | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -60 to +230 °C | Silicone |
| SI 60 TR | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -60 to +230 °C | Silicone |
| SI 60 red | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -60 to +230 °C | Silicone |
| VITON® trimmings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -10 to +275 °C | FKM |
| VITON® | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -20 to +200 °C | FKM |
| POLYURETHANE | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -10 to +60 °C | D 44 |
| VULKOLLAN® | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -25 to +80 °C | D 15 |
| Cellular VULKOLLAN® | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | -20 to +80 °C | Abrasion-resistant |
| Foam Rubber natural (FRN) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -40 to +70 °C | Natural rubber |
| Neoprene Foam Rubber (NFR) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -40 to +110 °C | CR - polychloroprene |
| CER | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | -50 to +95 °C | EP / SBR |
| CRCR | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -40 to +80 °C | CR |
® = Registered trademark
Custom Elastomer Flat Gaskets and Sealing Washers
Bülte manufactures custom flat gaskets and sealing washers from a wide range of elastomers based on drawings, CAD data or samples. Using advanced waterjet cutting technology, we produce highly precise prototypes, small batches and cost-effective series production. Learn more about the benefits of waterjet cutting or contact us for expert advice. We will help you select the most suitable elastomer and provide a tailored quotation for custom flat gaskets and sealing washers.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Elastomers and Their Resistance
Which elastomer is resistant to acids?
EPDM 402, EPDM Heat, Hypalon and VITON® offer excellent resistance to acids. EPDM 50, EPDM 80, BUTYL®, PERB 60 light, GU 40 grey, GU Gas and various silicone grades are also well suited. Suitability also depends on the type of acid, its concentration and the operating temperature.
Which elastomer is resistant to alkalis?
EPDM 402, EPDM Heat and Hypalon provide excellent resistance to alkalis. EPDM 50, EPDM 80, BUTYL®, GU 40 grey, GU 45 white, GU 67 light, GU Gas, GU Membranes, PERB 60 light, Soft PVC 70, Silicone and VITON® are also well suited. Suitability additionally depends on the type of alkali, its concentration and the operating temperature.
Which elastomer is resistant to oil?
PERB SUPER and VITON® provide excellent resistance to mineral oils. GU Gas, Hypalon, PERB 45, PERB 65, Soft PVC 70, Polyurethane, VULKOLLAN® and VITON® trimmings are also well suited.
Which elastomer is resistant to petrol?
PERB SUPER and VITON® offer excellent resistance to petrol. GU Gas, Polyurethane, VULKOLLAN® and VITON® trimmings are also well suited.
Which elastomer offers excellent ageing resistance?
EPDM 50, EPDM 60, EPDM 80, EPDM 402, EPDM Heat, BUTYL® and Hypalon offer excellent ageing resistance. GU 40 grey, the neoprene grades NEO 50, NEO 63 and NEO 80, Neoprene Sponge, Soft PVC 70, Soft PVC 80, VITON® and CR sponge rubber are also well suited.
Which elastomer is suitable for temperatures above 100 °C?
Elastomers suitable for temperatures above 100 °C include EPDM Heat up to +150 °C, Hypalon up to +120 °C, PERB SUPER up to +120 °C, Neoprene Sponge (NEO) up to +110 °C, Silicone up to +230 °C, VITON® up to +200 °C and VITON® trimmings up to +275 °C.
Which elastomer is suitable for temperatures above 200 °C?
For temperatures above 200 °C, Silicone with a maximum service temperature of +230 °C and VITON® trimmings up to +275 °C are particularly suitable. VITON® can be used at temperatures up to +200 °C.
What does “Swing Door Quality” mean?
Swing Door Quality refers to an elastomer grade, such as Soft PVC 80, that offers high abrasion resistance together with good weathering and ageing resistance. These materials are commonly used for swing doors, protective strips and other heavily stressed rubber components.
What does the abbreviation SBR stand for?
SBR stands for Styrene Butadiene Rubber. This synthetic rubber offers good mechanical properties, high abrasion resistance and an excellent price-performance ratio.
What is reclaimed rubber?
Reclaimed rubber is processed rubber obtained by recycling used rubber products. It can be added as a raw material in the manufacture of new rubber products and helps conserve natural resources.
What is the difference between natural rubber and synthetic rubber?
Natural rubber is produced from natural latex, whereas synthetic rubber is manufactured from chemical raw materials. Natural rubber is valued for its excellent elasticity and mechanical properties, while synthetic rubbers can be specifically formulated to provide improved resistance to oils, chemicals, ageing or high temperatures.