Choosing the wrong rubber material for your application can lead to premature product failure, downtime, and increased costs. As someone experienced in manufacturing rubber products, I often advise clients about the critical importance of understanding tensile strength when selecting rubber materials. But what exactly are the tensile strength ranges of common rubber types?
Different rubber materials have varying tensile strength ranges: Natural Rubber (14-25 MPa), Nitrile Rubber (10-20 MPa), EPDM (7-20 MPa), Silicone (5-10 MPa), and Viton® (10-20 MPa). Choosing the right rubber depends on your specific application requirements.
Below, I’ll dive deeper into the tensile strengths of common industrial rubbers to help you make informed decisions in your selection process.
Tensile Strength of EPDM Rubber: Is It Enough for Your Application?
If your rubber products experience regular tension or pulling forces, understanding EPDM’s tensile capabilities is crucial.
EPDM rubber typically has a tensile strength range of 7 to 17 MPa (1000-2500 psi). This makes EPDM suitable for many sealing applications requiring moderate strength combined with excellent weather and chemical resistance.
EPDM Tensile Strength Overview:
| Material | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| EPDM rubber1 | 7 - 17 | 1000-2500 |
EPDM is often the best choice for outdoor sealing where UV and ozone resistance outweigh pure tensile strength2 requirements.
NBR Tensile Strength Overview:
| Material | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| NBR Rubber | 10 - 20 MPa | 1450-2900 psi |
Due to its strong tensile properties and resistance to hydrocarbons, NBR is preferred in automotive, oil, and fuel applications.
How Strong is Silicone Rubber?
Many industrial and medical applications require silicone due to its flexibility and heat resistance, but how strong is it in terms of tensile strength?
Silicone rubber typically exhibits tensile strength between 5 and 10 MPa (725-1450 psi). While silicone has lower strength compared to other rubbers, its superior temperature resistance and flexibility are unmatched.
Silicone Tensile Strength Overview:
| Material | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone Rubber | 5-10 MPa | 725-1450 psi |
Silicone’s lower tensile strength is offset by exceptional flexibility and temperature stability, making it ideal for medical, food-grade, and electronics industries.
Viton® Rubber Tensile Strength: Is High Performance Worth the Cost?
When your application demands chemical resistance and heat stability, Viton® is often recommended. But is its higher cost justified by its strength?
Viton® rubber features impressive tensile strength, typically ranging from 10 to 20 MPa (1450-2900 psi). Its high strength and chemical resistance justify its premium pricing.
Viton® Tensile Strength Overview:
| Material | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| Viton® (FKM) | 10-20 MPa | 1450-2900 psi |
Viton® is the go-to choice for harsh environments involving aggressive chemicals, fuels, and elevated temperatures.
Which Rubber Has the Highest Tensile Strength?
When applications demand maximum mechanical strength and durability, natural rubber (NR) typically offers the highest tensile strength among elastomers.
| Rubber Type | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber (NR) | 15-25 MPa | 2200-3600 psi |
| Nitrile Rubber (NBR) | 10-20 MPa | 1450-2900 psi |
| Viton® (FKM) | 10-20 MPa | 1450-2900 psi |
| EPDM | 7-17 MPa | 1000-2500 psi |
| Silicone | 5-10 MPa | 725-1450 psi |
Natural rubber is frequently used in applications needing high elasticity and tensile strength, such as automotive tires and heavy-duty equipment mounts.
Which Rubber is the Best for Outdoor Use Based on Tensile Strength?
When selecting rubber for outdoor applications, tensile strength should be balanced with UV, ozone, and weather resistance. Although natural rubber is strong, EPDM often offers the best practical solution due to its excellent resistance to weather conditions.
Recommended choices for outdoor use ranked:
- EPDM Rubber: Best combination of strength and weather resistance.
- Viton®3 (FKM): High strength, excellent chemical and heat resistance, but costly.
- Natural Rubber (NR): High tensile strength, but poor UV and ozone resistance.
Which is Better, Viton® or EPDM?
Selecting between Viton and EPDM depends on your specific environment and performance requirements:
| Property | EPDM Rubber | Viton® (FKM) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Moderate | High |
| Oil & Fuel Resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Temperature Resistance | Good (-50°C to +150°C) | Excellent (-20°C to +250°C) |
| UV & Weather Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
- Choose EPDM for outdoor sealing applications requiring excellent weather and UV resistance, moderate strength, and cost-effectiveness.
- Choose Viton® when chemical, fuel, oil, and very high-temperature resistance are crucial.
Conclusion
Different rubber materials offer varying tensile strength levels, each suited to specific industrial needs. Understanding these ranges and properties ensures you choose the most effective and reliable material for your gasket applications.
Learn more about EPDM rubber's unique properties and why it's ideal for outdoor applications, enhancing your product's performance. ↩
Explore this link to understand the tensile strength of various rubber types and their applications, ensuring you choose the right material for your needs. ↩
Discover the advantages of Viton® rubber, including its chemical resistance and high tensile strength, making it ideal for harsh environments. ↩
