In industries where equipment operates under extreme conditions, heat-resistant materials play a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability. These materials are specifically engineered to withstand high temperatures without losing their properties, making them indispensable in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery applications.
Rubber materials, such as silicone rubber, are widely recognized for their exceptional ability to perform in high-heat environments. Known for their silicone heat resistance, these rubbers are commonly used in seals, gaskets, hoses, and insulation. Selecting the right high-temperature rubber is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of equipment.
In this blog, we’ll explore various rubber materials to determine which materials can handle the most heat and where they are best applied.
Table of Contents
Common Heat-Resistant Rubber Materials
Certain rubber materials stand out for their ability to endure high temperatures without compromising performance.
Below are the most widely used heat-resistant materials.
1. Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is widely known for its ability to hold extreme temperatures, ranging from -60°C to 300°C (-76°F to 572°F). It is extensively used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications where prolonged exposure to heat is common. Silicone does not have a traditional melting point, but it retains its structural integrity at high temperatures, making it one of the most reliable materials for high-heat environments.
2. EPDM Rubber
EPDM rubber performs exceptionally well in temperatures between -50°C and 150°C (-58°F to 302°F). Its resistance to heat, ozone, and weathering makes it ideal for outdoor applications and automotive components like seals, hoses, and gaskets. The EPDM temp range ensures its effectiveness in systems exposed to elevated temperatures over long periods.
3. FKM (Viton®), HNBR, and CSM
- FKM (Viton®): With a high-temperature material threshold of up to 200°C (392°F), FKM is highly resistant to chemicals, making it a preferred choice for aerospace and industrial machinery.
- HNBR: Known for its resilience, HNBR can endure temperatures up to 150°C (302°F). Its resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals makes it indispensable in industrial sealing and automotive applications.
- CSM (Hypalon): With resistance to heat, chemicals, and UV exposure, CSM performs well in demanding environments such as chemical plants and power systems.
| Material | Temperature Range (°C) | Applications |
| Silicone Rubber | -60 to 300 | Aerospace, industrial machinery, automotive |
| EPDM Rubber | -50 to 150 | Outdoor seals, automotive systems |
| FKM (Viton®) | -20 to 200 | Chemical processing, aerospace |
| HNBR | -40 to 150 | Industrial equipment, oil and fuel systems |
| CSM (Hypalon) | -30 to 130 | Power systems, chemical plants |
These heat-resistant rubber materials are designed to meet the demands of extreme conditions. Understanding their temperature resistance, the melting point of silicone rubber, and the EPDM temp range ensures you can select the right material for your high-heat applications.
Read More- What Makes Heat-Resistant Silicone So Popular
Temperature Ranges for Various Rubber Materials
Rubber materials vary significantly in their ability to withstand high or low temperatures. The table below highlights the temperature resistance and melting temperatures of commonly used rubbers, such as neoprene, natural rubber, silicone rubber, and EPDM.
| Material | Temperature Range (°C) | Melting Temperature (°C) | Applications |
| Silicone Rubber | -60 to 300 | Over 300 | Aerospace, industrial machinery, automotive |
| EPDM Rubber | -50 to 150 | Approx. 230 | Outdoor seals, automotive components |
| Neoprene Rubber | -40 to 120 | Approx. 260 | Hoses, gaskets, and insulating materials |
| Natural Rubber | -40 to 80 | Approx. 200 | Tires, adhesives, and vibration isolators |
- Silicone rubber is highly heat resistant, with a wide silicone rubber temperature range and no clear melting point, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
- EPDM is perfect for outdoor and automotive uses due to its resistance to weathering and moderate rubber melting temperature.
- Neoprene offers excellent versatility for mid-range temperatures, while natural rubber is more suited to low to moderate temperatures but lacks durability in high-heat environments.
By understanding the silicone rubber temperature range, natural rubber melting temperature, and other properties, you can choose the best material for your specific application.
What are the Applications of High-Temperature Resistant Rubber?
High-temperature resistant rubber materials are essential in industries where equipment is exposed to extreme heat. These temperature-resistant materials ensure durability, safety, and performance in critical applications.
Below are key industries that rely on heat-proof materials like silicone, EPDM, and FKM.
1. Automotive
In the automotive industry, materials at high temperatures are used to manufacture components that face intense heat, such as engine seals, gaskets, and exhaust systems. Silicone rubber and FKM (Viton®) are common choices due to their ability to hold prolonged exposure to heat without degrading. These materials play a vital role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of vehicles by preventing leaks and ensuring secure connections.
2. Industrial Machinery
Temperature-resistant rubber materials like EPDM and HNBR are widely used in industrial machinery. They are commonly applied in sealing systems, hoses, and belts that operate under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. These heat-proof materials provide resistance to heat, chemicals, and wear, ensuring that machinery runs smoothly and efficiently over time.
3. Aerospace
The aerospace sector relies heavily on high-temperature materials to ensure safety and reliability in extreme conditions. Silicone rubber and FKM are used in jet engines, insulation, and sealing systems due to their excellent heat resistance and stability under thermal stress. These materials are engineered to withstand the intense heat generated during takeoff, flight, and re-entry.
Factors to Consider When Selecting High-Heat Rubber Materials
Choosing the right heat-resistant material is essential for high-temperature applications.
- Operating Conditions: Ensure the material’s temperature resistance matches the environment. For instance, silicone rubber handles up to 300°C, while EPDM is effective up to 150°C. Consider the melting temperature of rubber, as it varies across materials like silicone (~300°C) and natural rubber (~200°C).
- Application Requirements: Select materials based on strength and durability. Silicone rubber and FKM are suitable for prolonged heat exposure, while HNBR offers superior mechanical strength for heavy-duty use.
Evaluating melting point rubber and performance under specific conditions ensures durability and reliability in extreme environments.
Testing Rubber’s Heat Resistance
Rubber’s ability to withstand high temperatures is assessed through rigorous testing to determine its temperature ratings and performance limits. These tests evaluate how materials respond to prolonged heat exposure without losing functionality.
1. Melting Points
Rubber does not have a sharp melting point like metals. Instead, it softens gradually as temperatures rise. For instance:
- Silicone rubber can handle up to 300°C, making it one of the most heat-resistant rubbers. While it doesn’t have a defined “melt” point, it retains stability far beyond conventional rubbers.
2. Temperature Ratings
Rubbers like EPDM (up to 150°C) and FKM (Viton®) (up to 200°C) are tested under controlled conditions to establish their maximum working temperatures. Testing involves exposing samples to high heat and monitoring changes in flexibility, strength, and sealing capabilities.
Key Takeaway
These tests help industries select materials suited to their needs, ensuring silicone heat resistance and other properties are reliable under demanding conditions. Proper testing guarantees materials perform effectively in high-temperature environments.
Elastostar Rubber Corporation’s Expertise
At Elastostar Rubber Corporation, we specialize in providing high-quality high-temperature rubber solutions that meet the toughest industrial challenges. With deep expertise in silicone rubber temperature ratings, we offer products designed to withstand extreme heat, ensuring reliability and durability.
We deliver custom heat-resistant solutions for industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery, ensuring our products exceed industry standards and meet specific customer needs.
For more information or to discuss your high-temperature rubber requirements, contact us today!
Recommended Reads
- How Rubber is Made for Industrial Uses
- What is the Best Rubber Material for Gaskets?
- Viton vs Silicone Rubber: What is the Best Choice for Your Business?
Conclusion
Choosing the right heat-resistant rubber is essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of equipment exposed to high temperatures. The right material helps prevent premature wear, leaks, and failures, protecting critical machinery and systems in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.
A wide range of custom high-temperature rubber solutions is available to meet the specific needs of your application. For expert advice and high-quality materials that can perform in extreme heat, consult with a team of professionals to find the perfect solution for your high-temperature material needs.
FAQs
- What type of rubber can withstand heat?
Silicone rubber and FKM (Viton®) are two of the best options for high heat resistance. Silicone rubber can handle temperatures up to 300°C, while FKM can endure temperatures up to 200°C, making both suitable for extreme environments.
- Does rubber hold heat?
Rubber does not generally “hold” heat, but it does provide insulation. Some rubbers, like silicone rubber, have excellent thermal stability and can resist heat over extended periods without degrading. Elastostar’s rubber materials are designed to offer excellent thermal resistance for long-term performance.
- What is the best heat-resistant rubber?
The best heat-resistant rubber depends on the application. Silicone rubber is excellent for high-temperature environments, while FKM (Viton®) is ideal for applications that also require chemical resistance. EPDM is also a good choice for outdoor and automotive use.
- Can silicone rubber withstand heat?
Yes, silicone rubber is highly resistant to heat. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -60°C to 300°C, making it perfect for high-heat applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery. At Elastostar, we offer silicone rubber designed to perform in extreme temperatures.
- Which rubber is fire-resistant?
Silicone rubber and FKM are known for their fire-resistant properties. They can endure high temperatures and are commonly used in industries where fire resistance is a key requirement, such as aerospace and automotive.
- Is PVC rubber heat resistant?
PVC rubber is not as heat-resistant as silicone or FKM. It typically handles temperatures up to 80°C to 90°C, making it suitable for applications that don’t require prolonged exposure to high heat.
