Technical rubber

Rubber is vulcanized natural or synthetic rubber. It is characterized by elasticity, resistance to external factors, mechanical strength, and a wide range of applications. It is estimated that more than 60,000 types of rubber products are manufactured worldwide. This is not surprising, as rubber has solved many sealing and other problems in both industry and everyday life. Almeida.lt offers a wide range of rubber products: general purpose (SBR), microporous (perforated), acid and alkali resistant (EPDM), silicone rubber (VMQ), and more.

How is technical rubber classified?

The discovery of vulcanized rubber caused a huge revolution in industry and became an integral part of it. This happened because rubber was much more elastic and resistant to abrasion and other physical and chemical irritants than the materials used before. In addition, there are different types of rubber with different properties, so the rubber with the most suitable technical properties can be selected for each product. The main types of technical rubber and their properties:

● General-purpose rubber (SBR) – the most widely used and cheapest synthetic rubber. Resistant to abrasion and cracking, with good wear properties. Remains flexible even at low temperatures. Hardens over time. SBR rubber is sensitive to ozone, solvents, acids, and oils. Recommended for use at temperatures between -30°C and +60°C.

● Neoprene rubber – has waterproofing and electrical insulation properties, is resistant to UV rays, heat (fire), cold, ageing, acids, alkalis and oil. Elasticity and strength are also properties of neoprene rubber.

● NR (Natural Rubber), also known as food-grade rubber, has good tensile properties and is resistant to scratches, abrasion, impact, wear, certain acids, alkalis, and alcohol. However, it is not resistant to gasoline, solvents, oil, mineral oils, etc. It is an excellent vibration absorber. Recommended for use at temperatures between -30°C and +70°C.

● Silicone rubber (VMQ) is suitable for use in extreme temperatures (-50°C to +220°C). Resistant to UV rays, ozone, and fire. Available in various colors. Distinguished by its inertness – insensitive to most chemicals, therefore hypoallergenic, used even in medicine. The price of silicone rubber often exceeds that of rubber with similar properties.

● Oil-resistant rubber (NBR) – resistant to gasoline, lubricants, diesel, and oils. Recommended for use at temperatures between -30 °C and +70 °C.

● Acid and alkali resistant rubber (EPDM) – durable, flexible, resistant to temperature changes, acids, and alkalis. Recommended for use at temperatures between -30 °C and +100 °C. Not resistant to petroleum products.

● Microporous or cellular rubber is made from EPDM rubber and is extremely lightweight, UV-resistant, and fire-resistant. Impermeable to air and water. Suitable for use at temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +90 °C.

● Vacuum rubber can be used for long periods at negative pressures of 10-1 to 133X10-8Pa. It has extremely high sealing properties, low gas permeability, low weight, and resistance to tearing and heat.

UAB “Almeida” offers all of these types of rubber in rolls, sheets, or cut to size. It is also worth noting that our product range includes rubber for snow plows (made from a special mixture that is hard yet flexible and resistant to abrasion) and membrane rubber, which can be used for the production of membranes and intermediate products.

Applications of technical rubber

The variety of technical rubbers and their properties have allowed them to establish themselves in various industries, medicine, sports, household, etc. SBR rubber is the most popular of all rubbers and is an integral part of the automotive industry – tires, various parts (gearboxes, etc.). SBR rubber is also used to manufacture conveyor belts, shoe soles, heels, floor mats, seals, hoses, etc. Neoprene rubber is indispensable in the manufacture of diving suits, orthopaedic products and various hoses. Silicone rubber is used in medicine for face masks, implants, and gloves. Of course, this rubber is widely used in the food industry for various lids, seals, and containers. Natural rubber (NR) is used in medical devices, surgical gloves, aircraft and car tires, childcare products, toys, etc. Vacuum rubber is often used in specific areas such as space stations, satellites (seals, gaskets), and other vacuum devices. NBR is indispensable for the manufacture of sealing rings, gaskets, transmission belts, hoses, and disposable gloves. EPDM rubber has established itself in the transport industry (for sealing windows and doors, cooling system hoses) and in construction – EPDM coating is a common choice for roofs, playgrounds, and ship decks. Microporous rubber is ideal for thermal insulation, the manufacture of gaskets and other seals, and noise and vibration damping.

Technical rubber