Top Rubber Materials for Heat, Steam, and UV Resistance
Power generation, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and a wide range of other industries rely on heat-resistant rubber to perform critical functions while withstanding extreme temperatures, steam, and other stressors. Given that heat, steam, and UV radiation can put considerable strain on rubber components in the field, it is critical to choose materials that can withstand these harsh conditions while also performing their intended function.
Thankfully, there are multiple heat-resistant rubbers on the market—but no two are created equal. Each offers a different profile of performance characteristics, physical properties, and resistances to environmental factors, all of which must be evaluated when choosing the best option for a given application.
Silicone Rubber
When seeking a heat-resistance rubber for hot fluid transfer and other high-temperature applications, silicone is an excellent choice. While many rubber compounds are composed of carbon-carbon bonds, silicone is composed of stable silicon-oxygen chains, which are less reactive and contribute to silicone’s UV resistance and other properties. Different formulations and curing agents also affect silicone’s resistance properties.
Silicone offers excellent heat resistance, up to 230°C (446°F). Some specialized silicone compounds can withstand up to 300°C (572°F) for brief periods. Silicone also holds up well under steam sterilization, with certain grades able to withstand superheated steam up to 150°C (302°F).
EPDM
EPDM is a heat-resistant rubber that can endure temperatures up to 150°C (302°F) without degradation or loss of properties. Long-term research in the field has also demonstrated that EPDM’s UV resistance is good, making it a great choice for outdoor applications and products.
EPDM’s steam resistance is variable. Peroxide-cured EPDM is steam resistant up to 135°C (275°F). The steam resistance of sulfur-cured EPDM is much lower.
Neoprene
Neoprene’s heat resistance is modest compared to other heat-resistant rubbers. Neoprene can tolerate up to 135°C (275°F) and becomes stiff at higher temperatures. Additionally, neoprene does not hold up well against straight steam. Its performance when subjected to hot water and steam is moderate to good.
However, neoprene does offer good resistance against other environmental factors, such as oil and weathering. Ranked against other UV-resistant rubbers, neoprene is a decent choice.
Viton Rubber
Bisphenol AF cured fluorocarbon elastomer, often called Viton rubber, is an excellent heat resistant rubber for demanding environments. Viton rubber is heat resistant up to 200°C (392°F) and offers good steam resistance as well. As a UV-resistant rubber, Viton’s performance is variable, depending on the Viton grade.
Compared to other heat-resistant rubbers, Viton rubber is exceptionally well suited for applications involving hot fatty and oil-based products.
How to Choose the Right Rubber for Your Application
Heat, steam, and UV resistance are not the only factors to consider when choosing the best rubber material for a given product or application. Different heat-resistant rubber materials boast a wide range of performance attributes, physical properties, and resistances to environmental stressors and other variables. Understanding the full performance portfolio of each rubber material under consideration is key to choosing the optimal rubber for your application.
Application Requirements
Considering the demands of your intended application is key to choosing a material that can perform as desired. How important are flexibility and durability? Will the material be placed under mechanical stress while in service? Will there be any chemical exposures?
Environmental Conditions
Service environment variables can have tremendous influence on the longevity and performance of rubber materials. This includes extreme temperatures and steam. For products destined for outdoor use, factors like ozone and UV exposure, precipitation, and even daily weather patterns must be accounted for when selecting rubber materials.
Physical Properties
Rubber performance depends heavily on each material’s physical properties. Tensile strength, hardness, elongation, and compression set should be evaluated carefully, so you can choose a rubber material that meets your needs.
Chemical Compatibility
For rubber products that come into contact with chemicals while in service, chemical compatibility is a critical consideration. Not all rubber materials can withstand contact with chemicals, oils, or solvents, and are at risk of degrading over time if placed in a service environment that requires prolonged contact with these substances. Choosing a heat-resistant rubber that offers the necessary chemical compatibility is important to ensuring reliable performance.
Partner with UP&R for Expert Material Solutions
If you’re looking to evaluate heat-resistant rubbers or get started on a project, talk to Universal Polymer & Rubber (UP&R). UP&R is a trusted rubber manufacturer with years of experience with rubber molding, die cutting, and extrusion. We understand which additional variables to consider when evaluating options for rubber materials that can withstand heat, steam, and UV radiation while in service. We can help you balance performance requirements, budgetary considerations, and other variables when choosing rubber materials, so you can find the best option that matches the needs of your business.
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