Material Selection Guide

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What is "Rubber?"

"Rubber" refers to elastomeric compounds that consist of various monomer units forming polymers that are heat cured (vulcanized). Polymers are long molecular chains and are derived from the Greek "poly" (many) and "meros" (parts). The base monomer or monomers is used to classify the type of rubber, for example: Nitrile, Silicone or Neoprene.

What is a Rubber Compound?

Rubber is composed of many different ingredients that include the base elastomer, vulcanization agents, fillers and plasticizers. For example, the addition of fillers can reinforce or modify properties, or additional plasticizer can increase elongation and lower durometer.

Why Does Rubber Act "Rubbery?"

A polymer is considered a very viscous liquid or an elastic solid (i.e. rubber). The polymeric chains in rubber tend to be very long and flexible by nature and can rotate about their axis, which results in an entangled mass of contorted chains.