Rubber Compounds
As a leading fabricator, RK Rubber offers a complete range of synthetic rubber materials suited for a variety of applications.
Not all rubber properties are created equal
We strive to provide materials that meet ASTM specifications. In today’s global market place, many suppliers falsely position materials that are “designed” to meet specifications. Some products such as commercial-grade neoprene may actually contain little to no neoprene. If material cost is very low, be aware that you are most likely not getting what you really want or need. Watch out for “commodity” grade materials with low-quality physical properties.RK Rubber integrity
At RK Rubber, we provide only the best rubber compounds sourced from within the U.S. We consult with our customers to understand application use and make the best recommendations based on our expertise.Neoprene
Neoprene rubber is a general purpose compound that offers oil resistance and has good chemical stability. It is also able to remain flexible over a wide temperature range. Generally, the many different grades of neoprene have a direct correlation to the actual percentage of neoprene in the compounds.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Neoprene | Black | 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 |
800 – 2000 | -40° to +200° |
100% – 400%
|
0.015 – 2 |
EPDM
EPDM rubber is generally used in applications that require outstanding weather, ozone, or temperature resistance. EPDM also has a great resistance to animal and vegetable oils, and excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and ketones. EPDM is NOT compatible with petroleum based oils.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| EPDM | Black | 40, 50, 60, 80 |
800 – 1800 | -55° to +350° |
240% – 400%
|
0.03125 – 0.5 |
Pure Gum
Natural rubber has excellent physical properties. A true floating stock will have very good tear strength and abrasion resistance. It is also non-marking and non-toxic, and made with FDA ingredients.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Natural Rubber | Tan, Natural | 40 | 3000 | -20° to +150° |
600%
|
0.015 – 1 |
White Nitrile
White nitrile is manufactured from FDA-approved ingredient, such as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic processing. White nitrile offers good abrasion resistance and handles oily and greasy products well.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| White Nitrile | White | 40, 60, | 1000 – 1700 | -25° to +190° |
400%
|
0.015 – 0.025 |
Silicone
Silicone is an organic/synthetic compound that offers protection in temperature extremes. It is also weather and fire resistant and a great insulator. Silicone has low tensile abrasion and chemical resistance.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Silicone | Multiple | 25 – 80 | 600 | -80° to +450° (500° intermittence) |
250% – 500%
|
0.010 – 1 |
Viton
Viton is a high grade compound that has excellent resistance to high heat, chemicals, and weather, making this product a great choice for use in highly corrosive environments. Viton offers superior mechanical properties and compression abilities. Applications include fuel systems seals, chemical-resistant gasket seals and rubber o-rings.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Viton | Black | 70 – 80 | 1000 – 1300 | -15° to +400° |
175%
|
0.0625 – 0.25 |
PVC Sheet (Vinyl)
PVC sheet, or vinyl, has very good resistance to oils and low permeability to gasses. While its resistance to UVs is good, it has excellent resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, and mineral oils. Although it has low resistance to hot and cold temperatures, PVC sheet has excellent aging characteristics.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| PVC Sheet | Black | 70 | 1000 | 20° to 160° |
250%
|
0.0125 – 0.25 |
Nitrile Buna – N
Buna – N has excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils. It also has good resistance to heat, abrasions, water, and gasoline. Nitrile Buna – N can be used for automotive applications.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Nitrile Buna – N | Black | 40 – 80 | 800 – 1000 | -20° to +170° |
300%
|
0.031 – 2 |
Skirtboard Rubber (SBR)
SBR has good tear and abrasion resistance. It is most commonly used to protect conveyor frames, chutes, and various other high impact areas.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Skirtboard | Black | 55 – 65 | 2500 – 2800 | -20° to +200° |
500%
|
0.125 – 1 |
Butyl (SBR)
Butyl can be used as a general use rubber as it has good chemical resistance. Since butyl has a much higher permeability to air than most rubber products, its uses are vast. Among its wide variety of uses are tire tubes.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Butyl | Black | 55 – 65 | 1800 | -30° to +300° |
350%
|
0.0625-0.25 |
Cloth Inserted (CI) (or Diaphragm)
CI rubber is reinforced with cloth making the material able to withstand stronger compression applications. It also has a good resistance to alkalis and acids. Appropriate uses for the material include hot water, low pressure steam, and hydraulic systems.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Butyl | Black | 65 | 900 | -20° to +170° |
200%
|
0.0625-0.25 |
Hypalon
Hypalon, a synthetic rubber, has a good resistance to heat, oil, and chemicals. It can also have good resistance to weather, abrasions, and fires. Another property of hypalon is its ability to maintain its color during use. Many hypalon uses include hosing, power steering hoses, and fuel hose covers.| Elastomer | Color | Durometer Range |
Tensile Strength Range (psi) |
Temperature Range (Fahrenheit) |
Elongation | Thickness Range (inches) |
| Butyl | Various | 55 – 60 | 1100 – 1500 | -20° to +220° |
350%
|
0.031-0.25 |
