SHEET RUBBER & GASKET MATERIALS

What is the Right Rubber for Your Application?

UIP offers a wide range of elastomers for almost any application. We offer sheet rubber and gasket materials in various thicknesses, durometers and grades to best fit your needs.

General Sheet Rubber Properties & Applications:

Neoprene: Known for its high tolerance to hot and cold temperatures, chemical resistance and excellent sun/UV resistance. Neoprene is also oil-resistant.  It can be used for gaskets and hoses because it does not degrade easily.  It is also waterproof which makes it ideal for weather stripping and other insulation applications including wetsuits and scuba gear.

Nitrile (Buna-N/NBR): Nitrile rubber is best suited for petroleum-based products and fuels, with good abrasion-resistance and tensile strength. It also performs well at extreme temperatures.  Nitrile is commonly used for gaskets, oil seals and many other automotive applications as well as fuel tanks and bladders in the aerospace industry.  Due to its durability and hypoallergenic properties, it is often used in protective glove applications. White Nitrile is also popular in the food and beverage industry.

Silicone: Silicone rubber is a high-performing elastomer. Extreme temperature tolerance and durability are the most important mechanical properties of silicone. It also offers excellent tensile strength, good rebound and compression properties and general weather-resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications.  Applications include aerospace, including spacesuit fabrics and seals and gaskets found in aircrafts. It is also commonly used in bakeware, food containers and utensils.

FKM (Viton): An excellent elastomer with amazing capabilities designed to withstand the most challenging environments. Viton is highly fuel resistant at extreme temperatures and it retains flexibility, shape and seal when exposed to chemicals and high temperatures.  Viton was designed for use in the aerospace industry and is now often used in oil and gas exploration  and petroleum refining industries.

EPDM: EPDM rubber is best known for its outstanding resistance to elemental exposure including ozone, sun and oxygen.  It is waterproof and highly resistant to acids, alkali and ketones.  It also resists heat and aging. Applications include insulation and noise reduction and many other outdoor applications including roofing, construction, automotive and HVAC.

Butyl: Butyl Rubber offers exceptional resistance to oxygen and ozone and tolerates protracted exposure to heat, acids and alkalis.  Extraordinary low gas and moisture permeability make it ideal for inner tubes and high pressure applications.   It can also be used for gaskets and seals, shock mounts and tank and pond liners.

Tan Pure Gum (Natural Rubber): An extremely versatile rubber, natural rubber is resistant to water and some chemicals. It offers tremendous tensile strength and adheres easily to other materials. It offers excellent flexibility and durability.  Applications include anti-vibration mounts, drive couplings, shock mounts, protective screening and rubber bands.

Red Rubber (SBR): SBR red rubber is a cost-effective, general purpose rubber commonly used in plumbing and gasketing.  It conforms easily to uneven flange surfaces and can be used in air, hot and cold water, saturated steam and exterior services.