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Natural Rubber

Natural rubber (NR) is a type of elastomer that is obtained from the sap of the rubber tree. It is a widely used material due to its excellent mechanical properties and versatility. Some of the key properties of natural rubber include:

High Elasticity
Natural rubber is highly elastic, meaning it can deform and then return to its original shape without breaking.
Good Tensile Strength
Natural rubber has a high tensile strength, which makes it able to withstand stretching and tearing forces.
Good Tear Resistance
Natural rubber has good tear resistance, which means it is difficult to tear it apart.
Low Compression Set
Natural rubber has a low compression set, which means it can maintain its original shape even after being compressed for an extended period.
Excellent Abrasion Resistance
Natural rubber has excellent abrasion resistance, which means it can withstand rubbing or scraping forces without being damaged.
Good Electrical Insulation Properties
Natural rubber has good electrical insulation properties, which makes it useful in electrical applications.
Water Resistance
Natural rubber is highly resistant to water and has low permeability to gases and liquids.
High Coefficient of Friction
Natural rubber has a high coefficient of friction, which means it provides good grip and traction.

Pros:

  • Good elasticity
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • Good tear strength
  • Good low-temperature flexibility
  • Biodegradable

Cons:

  • Poor chemical resistance
  • Poor weather resistance
  • Limited temperature range
  • Variable properties
  • Price volatility

NR (Natural) vs. SBR

Origin
NR is a natural rubber obtained from the latex of rubber trees, while SBR is a synthetic rubber made from petroleum-based raw materials.
Tensile Strength
NR has higher tensile strength than SBR rubber, making it a popular choice for applications that require good mechanical properties.
Abrasion Resistance
SBR rubber has better abrasion resistance than NR rubber, although NR has better tear resistance.
Chemical Resistance
NR has better chemical resistance than SBR rubber, making it more suitable for applications that require good resistance to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals.
Weather Resistance
NR has better weathering resistance than SBR rubber, making it more suitable for outdoor applications that require good resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and other environmental factors.
Cost
SBR rubber is less expensive than NR rubber, making it a popular choice for applications where cost is a significant factor.

NR rubber is a better choice for applications that require good tensile strength, chemical resistance, and weathering resistance. SBR rubber is a better choice for applications that require good abrasion resistance and mechanical properties at a lower cost.

NR (Natural) vs. EPDM

Chemical Resistance
EPDM rubber has better chemical resistance than NR rubber, particularly against acids, bases, and ozone. NR rubber is more susceptible to chemical attack and degradation.
Temperature Range
EPDM rubber can withstand a wider range of temperatures than NR rubber. EPDM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -50°C to +150°C, while NR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -60°C to +80°C.
Physical Properties
NR rubber has good physical properties such as high elasticity, good tear resistance, and good abrasion resistance, while EPDM rubber has high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and excellent elongation properties.
Weather Resistance
EPDM rubber has excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, and UV resistance, while NR rubber is more susceptible to weathering and ozone degradation.

EPDM rubber is more suitable for applications that require good weather resistance, chemical resistance, and higher temperature range, while NR rubber is more suitable for applications that require high elasticity, and good tear resistance.

NR (Natural) vs. NBR (Nitrile)

Chemical Resistance
NBR rubber has better resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals than NR rubber, while NR rubber has better resistance to acids and bases.
Electrical Insulation
NR rubber has better electrical insulation properties than NBR rubber, making it suitable for electrical applications.
Temperature Range
NBR rubber can withstand a wider range of temperatures than NR rubber. NBR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C, while NR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -55°C to +80°C.
Physical Properties
NR rubber has good physical properties such as high elasticity, good tear resistance, and high tensile strength, while NBR rubber has excellent mechanical properties such as good tear resistance, high tensile strength, and high resistance to abrasion and wear.

NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals, a wider temperature range, and abrasion resistance, while NR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good elasticity, good tear resistance, and good electrical insulation properties.

NR (Natural) vs. CR (Neoprene)

Chemical Resistance
CR rubber has better resistance to oils, solvents, and ozone than NR rubber, while NR rubber has better resistance to acids and bases.
Temperature Range
NR rubber can handle lower temperatures than CR rubber. NR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -60°C to +80°C, while CR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
Physical Properties
NR rubber has good mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, excellent tear resistance, and high resilience, while CR rubber has good mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to compression set.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
CR rubber has better resistance to weathering and UV radiation than NR rubber.

CR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, solvents, and ozone, and where higher temperatures may be encountered, while NR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to acids and bases, and where lower temperatures may be encountered.

NR (Natural) vs. FKM (Viton)

Chemical Resistance
FKM rubber has superior chemical resistance compared to NR rubber. FKM rubber can withstand exposure to a wider range of harsh chemicals, while NR rubber is vulnerable to damage from many chemicals.
Temperature Resistance
FKM rubber can withstand higher temperatures up to 200°C, while NR rubber degrades at high temperatures above 80°C.
Resistance to Oil and Fuel
FKM rubber has excellent resistance to oil and fuel, while NR rubber is susceptible to damage from these substances.
Compression Set
FKM rubber has a low compression set, which means it can maintain its shape and properties even after being compressed for a long time. NR rubber has a higher compression set, which means it can deform and lose its properties over time.
Price
FKM rubber is generally more expensive than NR rubber due to its superior properties and higher manufacturing costs.

NR rubber and FKM rubber have different properties and are used in different applications. NR rubber is widely used for its elasticity, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance, while FKM rubber is used for its chemical resistance, temperature resistance, and low compression set.

NR (Natural) vs. MQ (Silicone)

Chemical Structure
NR rubber is a natural polymer made from the sap of rubber trees, while MQ rubber is a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
Temperature Range
NR rubber has a limited temperature range and can only withstand temperatures up to around 80°C before it starts to degrade, while MQ rubber has a higher temperature range and can withstand temperatures up to around 200°C.
Chemical Resistance
MQ rubber has excellent resistance to water, UV light, and extreme temperatures, while NR rubber is less resistant to chemicals and UV light.
Compression Set Resistance
MQ rubber has better compression set resistance than NR rubber, which means it can maintain its shape and elasticity even after being compressed for extended periods.
Electrical Insulation
MQ rubber has excellent electrical insulation properties, which makes it useful for applications where electrical conductivity is a concern, while NR rubber is a conductor.
Cost
MQ rubber is generally more expensive than NR rubber, which can make it less cost-effective for some applications.

MQ rubber may be preferred for its high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation properties, while NR rubber may be preferred for its elasticity and flexibility.