Rubber remains a cornerstone material in the world of seals and gaskets, prized for its unique blend of properties that make it indispensable across various industries. From silicone seals that excel in high-temperature environments to rubber seals known for their reliable performance under demanding conditions, rubber’s versatility is unmatched. As the global rubber market is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2027, its significance continues to grow in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. At Elastostar Rubber Corporation, we offer top-quality rubber extrusion profiles and custom silicone gaskets that cater to the specific needs of your applications.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 10 properties of rubber that make it ideal for seals and gaskets, helping you make informed decisions for your projects.
Table of Contents
What Makes Rubber the Perfect Material for Seals and Gaskets?
1. Flexibility
Rubber’s flexibility is one of its most valuable properties, particularly when it comes to sealing applications. This ability allows rubber to conform to various shapes and surfaces, ensuring a tight seal even in irregular or complex geometries.
For instance, rubber tubing must bend and flex without compromising its sealing capabilities, making flexibility a critical factor. Whether in automotive hoses or medical devices, this property ensures that rubber can adapt to movements, vibrations, and varying temperatures while maintaining its integrity.
Comparison of Flexibility in Different Rubber Types
| Rubber Type | Flexibility | Typical Applications |
| Natural Rubber | High | Automotive, Industrial Seals |
| EPDM | Moderate | Outdoor Seals, Weather Stripping |
| Silicone Rubber | High | Medical Devices, High-Temperature Seals |
2. Temperature Resistance
One of the standout features of rubber is its ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures. Silicone seal gaskets, for example, can endure temperatures from -50°C to +230°C, making them ideal for high-heat environments such as engines and industrial machinery.
On the other hand, the rubber melting point of materials like natural rubber is lower, so they are better suited for applications with moderate temperature ranges. Whether you need extruded rubber seals for a furnace or rubber gasket extrusions for cold storage, choosing the right rubber material ensures your seals perform reliably under thermal stress.
3. Chemical Resistance
Rubber’s resistance to chemicals is a vital property, particularly for gaskets used in harsh environments. Different types of rubber, such as Neoprene, EPDM, and silicone seals, offer varying degrees of resistance to oils, solvents, and other chemicals.
For example, EPDM is resistant to many chemicals and is often used in automotive and industrial applications, while silicone rubber is known for its resistance to acids and bases. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right material for your specific application, ensuring that your rubber seals remain effective even when exposed to harsh substances.
Chemical Resistance of Various Rubber Types
| Rubber Type | Chemical Resistance | Typical Applications |
| EPDM | High | Automotive Seals, Industrial Gaskets |
| Neoprene | Moderate | Marine Applications, Oil-Resistant Seals |
| Silicone Rubber | High | Medical Gaskets, Food-Grade Seals |
4. Durability
Durability is a key factor for anyone looking to invest in rubber seals or gaskets. Rubber materials are designed to withstand the rigours of constant use, exposure to the elements, and mechanical stress without degrading. Natural rubber properties include excellent tensile strength and elasticity, making it durable for a variety of applications.
Meanwhile, custom silicone gaskets offer superior durability in extreme environments, including those with high temperatures or chemical exposure. This long-lasting performance makes rubber an ideal choice for applications where reliability is paramount.
5. Compression Set
The compression set of a material refers to its ability to return to its original thickness after being compressed. A low compression set is crucial in sealing applications because it ensures that the gasket maintains its seal over time, even after repeated compression.
Silicone seal gaskets are known for their excellent compression set properties, making them ideal for applications where maintaining a tight seal is critical. On the other hand, materials with a higher compression set may eventually lose their effectiveness, leading to potential leaks or failures.
6. Resistance to Aging
Rubber’s ability to resist aging is crucial for seals and gaskets that are exposed to environmental factors such as UV light, ozone, and oxygen. Over time, these elements can cause materials to crack, harden, or degrade, which could compromise the effectiveness of the seal.
However, rubber extrusion profiles made from materials like EPDM or silicone rubber are highly resistant to these aging factors, making them suitable for outdoor and long-term applications. This resistance ensures that rubber seals remain flexible and effective even after years of exposure to harsh conditions.
7. Electrical Insulation
Rubber’s electrical insulating properties make it an excellent choice for seals and gaskets used in electrical and electronic applications. Rubber tubing is often used to insulate electrical wires, protecting them from moisture, chemicals, and mechanical damage.
The non-conductive nature of rubber prevents electrical currents from passing through, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical systems. Whether used in household appliances, automotive systems, or industrial machinery, rubber’s electrical insulation properties make it indispensable for a wide range of applications.
8. Water Resistance
One of the key properties that make rubber ideal for seals and gaskets is its water resistance. Seal rubber is often used in waterproofing applications, preventing water from entering sensitive areas and causing damage.
This property is particularly important in marine and plumbing applications, where seals need to keep out water effectively. Rubber seals used in these environments are designed to withstand exposure to moisture, ensuring long-lasting protection and performance.
9. Resistance to Abrasion
In environments where seals and gaskets are exposed to friction and wear, rubber’s resistance to abrasion is a critical advantage. Rubber seals that can withstand repeated friction without wearing down ensure long-lasting performance and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
This resistance to abrasion makes rubber an ideal material for gaskets and seals in high-friction environments, where durability and reliability are paramount. For instance, rubber bulbs used in automotive or industrial settings benefit from this property, maintaining their effectiveness over time.
10. Customizability
One of the most significant advantages of rubber is its ability to be molded and extruded into various shapes and sizes, allowing for the creation of custom rubber seals and rubber tubing to specific application needs.
At Elastostar Rubber Corporation, we specialize in producing custom silicone gaskets and other rubber extrusion profiles that meet the unique requirements of your projects. Whether you need a specific gasket shape, a particular rubber tubing size, or a custom-designed seal, our expertise ensures that you get the perfect solution for your application.
The customizability of rubber allows for endless possibilities in seal and gasket design, ensuring optimal performance in any environment.
Recommended reads
- Why are High Temperature Gaskets Popular & What They Are Used For
- How to Choose the Best Rubber Gasket for Your Windows
- Difference Between Silicone Sponge Rubber And Foam Rubber
Conclusion
Rubber’s unique properties, from flexibility and durability to chemical and temperature resistance, make it the ideal material for seals and gaskets across a wide range of industries. Whether you’re dealing with extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, or demanding environments, the right rubber material can ensure the long-term success and reliability of your application.
If you’re in need of high-quality, custom rubber seals or rubber tubing we at Elastostar ensure that you get the best products for your projects, delivering performance and durability you can rely on.
FAQs
1. What Are the Properties of Rubber Gaskets?
Rubber gaskets are essential for maintaining a tight seal in industrial and automotive settings due to their flexibility, compression set resistance, and chemical resistance. Elastostar Rubber Corporation, specializes in durable rubber gaskets and seals made from materials like silicone, neoprene, and EPDM. Our expertise ensures high performance and adaptability in demanding environments, making Elastostar a trusted provider of reliable sealing solutions.
2. Is Strength Considered a Physical Property of Rubber?
Yes, strength specifically tensile strength is a key physical property of rubber. This property measures how well rubber can withstand stretching forces without breaking, which is vital for applications such as custom rubber seals and gaskets.
3. What Rubber Is Used in Seals?
Rubber materials commonly used in seals include silicone, neoprene, and EPDM. Silicone is favoured for its high-temperature resistance, neoprene for its oil resistance, and EPDM for its excellent weather and chemical resistance. These materials are chosen based on the specific requirements of the application, such as temperature, chemical exposure, and environmental conditions.
4. What Are the Properties of Rubber Sealant?
Rubber sealants possess properties such as adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance. These sealants are designed to create strong bonds and seal gaps or joints, preventing leaks and protecting against moisture. Silicone sealants are particularly popular for their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and UV exposure, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Elastostar Rubber Corporation, offers durable rubber sealants that are designed to last, ensuring your seals remain effective in any environment.
5. What Materials Have Elastic Properties Similar to Rubber?
Materials that have elastic properties similar to rubber include silicone, neoprene, and EPDM. These materials are often used in applications requiring flexibility and durability, such as in custom rubber seals and extruded rubber seals for various industrial and automotive uses.
