What is the difference between EPDM and silicone rubber?
Your sealing project failed because you choose the wrong material. EPDM leaked at high temperatures while silicone couldn’t handle the pressure. Picking between these materials determines success or costly rework. EPDM offers superior mechanical strength and chemical resistance at lower cost, while silicone provides exceptional temperature range (-60°C to 200°C) and flexibility. EPDM suits outdoor […]
What is the difference between EPDM rubber and PTFE rubber?
Choosing the right material can be confusing when both are called “rubber” but have very different properties. EPDM and PTFE are two popular materials for seals, gaskets, and hoses, but they serve very different needs. EPDM is a synthetic rubber known for weather, steam, and ozone resistance. PTFE (often called Teflon®) is a fluoropolymer, not […]
What Is the Densest Rubber?
Rubber comes in many types, each with different properties. When I get asked, “What is the densest rubber?” it’s usually from someone needing a heavy, solid material for specific engineering or industrial uses. Chlorinated rubber (like chlorobutyl and some FKM grades) and fluorocarbon rubber (FKM, such as Viton®) are among the densest rubbers, with densities […]
What is the difference between nitrile rubber and butyl rubber?
Rubber is not just “rubber”—each type has its own unique strengths. Many people ask about the differences between nitrile rubber (NBR) and butyl rubber (IIR), especially when choosing seals, gaskets, or hoses. Nitrile rubber (NBR) is best for oil and fuel resistance, while butyl rubber (IIR) stands out for air-tightness and weather resistance. They are […]
What kind of oil is safe for rubber?
Choosing the wrong oil can destroy rubber seals and gaskets in weeks. Many engineers learn this the hard way when their equipment starts leaking. The safest oil for rubber depends on your specific rubber material. Silicone oils work well with most rubbers for light lubrication, while petroleum oils can damage sensitive materials like EPDM. For […]
Will Vegetable Oil Damage Rubber?
Many people use vegetable oil as a household lubricant, cleaner, or even to help fit rubber parts together. But is vegetable oil safe for rubber, or can it cause damage over time? Yes, vegetable oil can damage many common rubber types. It causes natural rubber, SBR, and nitrile rubber to swell, soften, lose strength, or […]
What Does Coconut Oil Do to Rubber?
Using oils and lubricants around rubber parts is common, but not all oils are safe for rubber. Coconut oil is a popular household item, but what happens if it comes in contact with rubber? Coconut oil can cause some types of rubber to swell, soften, or degrade over time. Most natural rubbers and many synthetic […]
How to Prevent Rubber from Hardening?
Rubber parts are meant to be flexible and soft, but over time, they can harden, crack, or lose their sealing ability. This is a common problem with gaskets, hoses, tires, and weatherstripping. So, how can you keep rubber from hardening? To prevent rubber from hardening, keep it away from sunlight, ozone, and high heat. Use […]
How Do You Stop Rubber from Deteriorating?
Rubber parts are everywhere—from seals to hoses to gaskets. But over time, even the best rubber can crack, harden, or crumble. Many people ask how to make rubber last longer and stop it from deteriorating. You can stop rubber from deteriorating by using the right material, protecting it from sunlight and ozone, keeping it clean […]
How Do You Make Rubber More Durable?
Rubber is a great material for sealing, cushioning, and protecting. But sometimes, ordinary rubber just doesn’t last long enough—especially in tough environments. So, how do you make rubber more durable? You can make rubber more durable by using special additives, improving the curing process (vulcanization), reinforcing with fibers, or switching to advanced rubber types. Proper […]
