Synthetic rubber is a special category of the plastic industry. Rubber is traditionally made from rubber plants. Man-made rubber comes from petroleum polymers mixed with other minerals to give it the characteristic stretch. These products are referred to as Elastomers. They can be super hard or super soft depending on the chemicals and minerals they are made from. Listed below are common elastomers and the products created with them.
Acrylic Rubber (ACM) – Rubber Hoses
Butadiene Rubber (BR) – Tires
Butyl Rubber (IIR) – Inflatable Tubing
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)/ Hypalon – Valve Seals
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) – Electrical Insulation
Fluoroelastomers (FKM)/ Viton – Fuel Hoses
Isoprene Rubber (IR) – Shoes
Nitrile Rubber (NBR) – Examination Gloves
Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) – Semiconductor Seals
Polychloroprene (CR)/ Neoprene – Adhesives
Polysulfide Rubber (PSR) – Decorative Molds
Silicone Rubber (SiR) – Resin
Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) – Floor Tile
