Comprehensive Guide to Rubber Materials and Their Applications

In the world of industrial sealing technology, the choice of rubber material determines the performance, durability, and reliability of the final seal. From automotive engines to semiconductor vacuum chambers, each application requires a specific balance of chemical resistance, temperature capability, elasticity, and cost efficiency.

This comprehensive guide introduces the 16 most common rubber materials used in sealing applications — detailing their core properties, temperature ranges, and industrial uses — to help engineers and procurement professionals make informed material selections.

Rubber Material Selection Chart

1. FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer)

FFKM is the most advanced elastomer available today, offering the best chemical and heat resistance of all rubber materials. It withstands more than 1,600 types of aggressive chemicals and endures continuous operation at temperatures up to 327°C.

Temperature range: -15°C to +320°C

Hardness: Shore A 75–90

Color: Black, white

Applications:

Ideal for semiconductor manufacturing, chemical processing, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and nuclear industries, where extreme chemical and thermal stability are required.

2. FKM (Fluorocarbon Rubber / FPM / Viton®)

A copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, FKM is known for its excellent chemical resistance and high-temperature stability. Its performance varies with fluorine content and polymer type.

Temperature range: -20°C to +200°C (standard), down to -40°C for low-temp grades

Hardness: Shore A 50–90

Color: Black, brown, or custom

Applications:

Widely used in automotive and aerospace engines, fuel systems, and high-vacuum sealing. It’s the only rubber suitable for vacuum environments.

3. AFLAS (Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene Rubber)

AFLAS® combines excellent chemical and thermal resistance with superior alkali and acid resistance, making it ideal for harsh oilfield and chemical conditions.

Temperature range: -10°C to +200°C

Hardness: Shore A 60–90

Color: Black

Applications:

Used in chemical plants, oil & gas, marine, and aerospace environments — especially where H₂S, steam, or amines are present.

4. NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

A copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene, NBR is the most common oil-resistant rubber, valued for its mechanical strength and sealing reliability.

Temperature range: -30°C to +100°C (standard); up to 135°C for oil-resistant grades

Hardness: Shore A 40–93

Color: Black or custom

Applications:

Used for hydraulic seals, fuel system seals, O-rings, hoses, and gaskets in automotive and industrial equipment.

5. HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber)

HNBR is a hydrogenated derivative of NBR, offering improved heat, ozone, and chemical resistance while maintaining flexibility.

Temperature range: -40°C to +150°C (up to +160°C continuous)

Hardness: Shore A 55–90

Color: Black, green

Applications:

Ideal for automotive engine seals, fuel systems, refrigeration equipment, and nuclear power applications.

6. Silicone Rubber (VMQ / PVMQ)

Silicone is a highly stable, non-polar rubber with outstanding heat and cold resistance, ozone stability, and electrical insulation.

Temperature range: -60°C to +230°C (special grades up to 250°C)

Hardness: Shore A 40–80

Color: Black, red, transparent, white, or yellow

Applications:

Used in electronics, automotive, construction, and medical industries, including keypads, insulation gaskets, and medical seals.

7. FVMQ (Fluorosilicone Rubber)

Combining the backbone of silicone with fluorine atoms, FVMQ retains flexibility at low temperatures while improving resistance to fuels and oils.

Temperature range: -60°C to +200°C

Hardness: Shore A 45–80

Color: Black, transparent, or blue

Applications:

Used in aviation, jet fuel systems, and automotive fuel seals, where fuel and solvent exposure are critical factors.

8. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber)

EPDM features a saturated backbone structure, making it extremely resistant to heat, ozone, and weathering.

Temperature range: -55°C to +150°C

Hardness: Shore A 40–90

Color: Black

Applications:

Common in automotive weather seals, coolant hoses, roofing membranes, and building expansion joints.

9. CR (Chloroprene Rubber / Neoprene)

CR is a balanced, all-purpose rubber known for good ozone and weather resistance, moderate oil resistance, and flame retardancy.

Temperature range: -40°C to +100°C

Hardness: Shore A 60–90

Color: Black

Applications:

Used in cables, gaskets, hoses, marine seals, and construction expansion joints.

10. PU (Polyurethane Rubber)

Polyurethane (PU) offers exceptional abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, and load-bearing capacity.

Temperature range: AU: -40°C to +100°C / EU: -80°C to +90°C

Hardness: Shore A 60–95

Color: Black, green, transparent, orange

Applications:

Used for hydraulic seals, wear rings, scraper rings, and shock-absorbing components in mining, heavy machinery, and automotive sectors.

11. ECO (Epichlorohydrin Rubber)

ECO provides excellent oil resistance, gas impermeability, and ozone resistance, often serving as a cost-effective alternative to NBR.

Temperature range: -35°C to +125°C

Hardness: Shore A 50–80

Color: Black

Applications:

Used for fuel hoses, seals, and diaphragms in automotive and air systems, as well as inflatable products.

12. SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)

SBR is a widely used general-purpose synthetic rubber with good abrasion resistance and aging properties.

Temperature range: -40°C to +110°C

Hardness: Shore A 50–70

Color: Black

Applications:

Commonly used in tires, belts, hoses, gaskets, and footwear manufacturing.

13. IIR (Butyl Rubber)

Butyl rubber offers the lowest gas permeability among all elastomers, with excellent vibration damping and insulation.

Temperature range: -50°C to +120°C

Hardness: Shore A 50–70

Color: Black

Applications:

Ideal for inner tubes, air-tight layers, medical stoppers, and vibration isolators.

14. NR (Natural Rubber)

Natural rubber (NR) provides superior elasticity, resilience, and tensile strength, though it lacks oil and weather resistance.

Temperature range: 0°C to +90°C

Hardness: Shore A 40–90

Color: Black

Applications:

Used for general-purpose seals, gaskets, hoses, and vibration dampers across various industrial applications.

15. AEM (Ethylene Acrylic Rubber)

AEM offers excellent heat and oil resistance with low compression set, making it ideal for automotive applications.

Temperature range: -40°C to +150°C

Hardness: Shore A 40–85

Color: Black

Applications:

Used in transmission seals, oil-resistant hoses, and engine gaskets, often replacing NBR or FKM in cost-sensitive environments.

16. ACM (Polyacrylate Rubber)

ACM is a polar elastomer featuring excellent resistance to hot oil and oxidation, widely used in automotive applications.

Temperature range: -15°C to +150°C

Hardness: Shore A 45–80

Color: Black

Applications:

Ideal for transmission oil seals, gaskets, and powertrain components, where high temperature and oil exposure are major concerns.

Conclusion

Selecting the right rubber material is the cornerstone of achieving reliable and long-lasting sealing performance. Each elastomer has its own strengths — from FFKM’s extreme chemical resistance to PU’s exceptional wear performance — and should be chosen based on temperature, chemical exposure, mechanical load, and cost-efficiency requirements.

At XHH Seals, we specialize in manufacturing custom-engineered rubber and PTFE sealing solutions, offering full material compatibility for industrial, automotive, and semiconductor applications.

Contact us at xhh@xhh-smartech.com to discuss material selection or request customized seals tailored to your operating conditions.