What is Rubber?

Rubber, according to AI is “an elastic material that can be stretched without breaking and return to its original shape.”

According to the Google definition, Rubber is “a tough elastic polymeric substance made from the latex of a tropical plant or synthetic.”

To us at RK Rubber, Rubber is a generic noun just like saying “car” when referring to the vehicle we drive. There are numerous types of rubber all with various physical properties. There is not a “one size fits all” product.

For a simple starter, here is a quick overview of properties:

• Durometer – Means a measure of hardness, normally described on the Shore “A” scale. Gum Rubber (rubber bands) are approximately 40 Durometer. A car tire is about 70 Durometer.
• Tensile strength – depending on the formulation, can range from 100 psi to 3,000 psi.
• Elongation – How much does it stretch prior to breaking? Depending on formulation it can range from 100% to over 600%.
• Surface Finish – Can be smooth or fabric finish. In addition, rubber can have a talc powder or talc free.
• Compounds – The most common are: Butyl, EPDM, Viton, SBR, Silicone, Natural Rubber (Gum), Neoprene, and Nitrile.

How do you know what you are really buying?

There are standard or specific callouts referred to as ASTM D2000 Line callouts. It should be noted that you should be asking your supplier if they supply material that meets a specification. Many of the imported products use the phrase “designed to meet” or “reference” an ASTM specification, stopping short of stating it meets the spec.

I like using this analogy: Making Rubber is like making chocolate chip cookies. There is not a standard for the various ingredients. Some may use butter, some may use margarine. You can still consider them chocolate chip cookies if you use ¼ cup or 2 cups of chocolate chips. Similarly, various neoprene rubber suppliers use different amounts of actual neoprene polymer in their product. There will be, in fact, different properties and service life of these materials.

Bottom line…ask an expert for help in determining your needs.

For more check our materials page.