RUBBER MATERIAL SELECTION

Fuel / Oil Steam Chemicals Outdoor Wear Airtight Low Temp Flame

Choosing the right rubber is usually decided by a few hard constraints: temperature, media chemicals, compression set, wear tear, outdoor aging, and regulatory needs. This page is a practical guide to help you shortlist materials quickly and understand typical trade-offs.

Silicone Material & Sourcing Center

How to choose rubber in 6 questions

What is the media? (oil/fuel, steam, acids/alkali, solvents, water, gas, ozone/UV, abrasive dust)
What is the temperature range? (min and max, continuous vs. peaks)
What is the sealing requirement? (static seal, dynamic seal, vacuum, gas permeability, compression set limits)
What is the mechanical load? (wear, tear, impact, vibration, extrusion risk under pressure)
What environment? (outdoor weathering/ozone, electrical insulation, flame resistance, steam exposure)
Any compliance requirements? (food contact, medical-grade, low-smoke/halogen-free, UL, etc.)

Important: all values below are typical guidelines. Final performance depends on compound formulation (polymer type, fillers, cure system, hardness), part geometry, and your test method. If you have a spec, send it with your drawing and we will match the right compound and validate with testing as required.

Quick shortlist by requirement

Fuel and oil exposure: NBR, HNBR, FKM, FEPM (AFLAS), FVMQ (when low-temp flexibility is needed)
Strong chemicals and oxidizers: FEPM (AFLAS), FFKM (highest chemical/temperature capability)
Steam and hot water vapor: FEPM (AFLAS), FFKM (use special formulations as needed)
Outdoor ozone and weather: EPDM, VMQ (silicone), CSM, CR
Very low temperature flexibility: VMQ (silicone), FVMQ, EPDM/EPM (compound dependent), BR (for cold-resistant parts)
High wear and abrasion: Polyurethane (MPU/EPU), XNBR, HNBR (application dependent)
Air-tight and low gas permeability: IIR, CIIR
Electrical insulation: VMQ (silicone), EPM/EPDM, FEPM (application dependent)
Flame resistance and low smoke: ECO, CR, CSM, EVM (compound dependent)

If you are not sure, share: (1) media, (2) min/max temperature, (3) static/dynamic, (4) pressure/vacuum, (5) hardness target (Shore A), and (6) any compliance requirement. You can also request a quote with your drawing and requirements.

Product Classification

Use the list below to jump to details.

FKM FEPM / AFLAS FVMQ FFKM MPU / EPU AEM ACM HNBR XNBR NBR NBR/PVC ECO / CO / GCO CR PVC/CR CSM EVM VMQ EPM EPDM IIR CIIR NR IR BR SBS SEBS SBR S-SBR EVA TPEE TM / THV CPE

Fluororubber - FKM
Tetrafluoroethylene–propylene copolymer - FEPM / AFLAS
Fluorosilicone Rubber - FVMQ
Perfluoroelastomer - FFKM
Polyurethane Rubber - MPU / EPU
Ethylene–Acrylic Rubber - AEM
Acrylic Rubber - ACM
Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber - HNBR
Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber - XNBR
Nitrile Rubber - NBR
Nitrile Rubber–Polyvinylchloride Blend Rubber - NBR/PVC
Chlorohydrin Rubber - ECO / CO / GCO
Chloroprene Rubber - CR
Polyvinyl Chloride and Chloroprene Blended Rubber - PVC/CR
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber - CSM
Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate Rubber - EVM

Silicone Rubber - VMQ (HTV/HCR, LSR)
Ethylene Propylene Rubber - EPM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber - EPDM
Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber - IIR
Chloro Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber - CIIR
Natural Rubber - NR
Polyisoprene Rubber - IR
Cis-Polybutadiene Rubber - BR
Thermoplastic Styrene–Butadiene Rubber - SBS
Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Rubber - SEBS
Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber Compound - SBR
Solution Polymerized Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Compound - S-SBR
Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Rubbers Compound - EVA
Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer - TPEE
Polysulfide Rubber Compound - TM / THV
Chlorinated Polyethylene Rubber Compound - CPE

Material details features + typical applications

01 Fluororubber compound (FKM), Pre-compound

ASTM D2000: HK | Typical hardness: Shore A 50–90

Temperature range of -40°C to +250°C
High temperature resistance to +200°C to +250°C
Resistance to fuel, concentrated acid and other strong oxidizers
Perfect steam resistance (special recipe)
Excellent ozone and weather resistance
Excellent flame resistance
Perfect vacuum resistance

Main applications: Crank shaft oil seals / valve seals, diaphragms, chemical-industry seals, steam-resistant seals, rubber parts resistant to amine and alkali, linings of butterfly valve, automotive hose, intelligent wear.

Selection notes: Strong choice for fuels/oils and high temperature. For hot water/steam, specify the exact steam conditions and request a steam-optimized compound.

02 Tetrafluoroethylene–propylene copolymer (FEPM / AFLAS)

ASTM D2000: KK | Typical hardness: Shore A 55–90

Excellent heat resistance, up to 250°C
Good stability for various types of vehicle fuels
Excellent resistance to chemicals, especially high concentration of acid, alkali and strong oxidizers
Excellent resistance to high pressure water vapor, water and electrical insulation
Good medium resistance and electrical insulation properties
Radiation resistance: performance stable in the range of 200 Mrad (gamma)

Main applications: National defense, power, automobile, semiconductor, petrochemical, aerospace.

Selection notes: Often shortlisted where FKM is not enough for aggressive chemicals/steam. Confirm low-temperature requirement early.

03 Fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ)

ASTM D2000: FE | Typical hardness: Shore A 20–80

Temperature range of -60°C to +200°C
Good resistance to high temperature and low temperature
Good corrosion resistance
Excellent oil resistance
High voltage resistance

Main applications: National defense, power, automobile, intelligent wear, petrochemical, aerospace.

Selection notes: Common choice when you need silicone-like low-temperature flexibility with improved fuel/oil resistance.

04 Perfluoroelastomer compound (FFKM)

ASTM D2000: KK | Typical hardness: Shore A 60–90

Excellent heat resistance up to 300°C
Both strong acid and strong alkali resistance
Excellent electrical resistance
Excellent steam resistance
Excellent amine additives resistance
High temperature resistance to 220–300°C
Resistance to 1600 kinds of media: ketone, ether, nitrile, aromatic series, strong oxidizers, acid, alkali, organic solvent, etc.
Plasma radiation resistance

Main applications: Seals for oil/natural gas exploitation devices, screw pumps resistant to acid/alkali/high-temp steam, wire and cable products, turbocharger hoses, valve seals, diaphragms, O-rings.

Selection notes: Used when nothing else survives. Typically higher cost; confirm it is required by media/temperature before selecting.

05 Polyurethane Rubber (MPU/EPU)

ASTM D2000: (varies) | Typical hardness: Shore A 45–95

Temperature range of -50°C to +100°C
Excellent oil resistance, oxidation resistance and ozone resistance
Excellent air impermeability performance
Excellent compression set resistance
Excellent wear resistance

Main applications: Oil and emulsion resistant sealing, rubber roller, shock absorber, conveyor belt, crawler, O-rings, intelligent wear.

Selection notes: Strong option for abrasion and mechanical durability. Confirm hydrolysis/water exposure conditions if applicable.

06 Ethylene–Acrylic Rubber (AEM)

ASTM D2000: EE | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -40°C to +175°C
Excellent automotive oil and solvent resistance
Perfect ozone and aging resistance
Good resistance to compressive deformation
Good bending fatigue resistance
Continuous damping performance
Halogen-free and low smoke properties

Main applications: Turbocharger hoses, transmission oil hoses, oil seals, packing rings, bearing seals, dust covers, O-rings.

Selection notes: Often used for under-hood parts needing heat + oil + ozone resistance. Confirm the exact oil type and temperature.

07 Acrylic Rubber (ACM)

ASTM D2000: EH | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -40°C to +175°C
High heat aging resistance and oil resistance
Resistance to lubricating oil with extreme additives
Excellent ozone resistance

Main applications: Automotive hoses, gear box oil seals, bearing cover oil seals, oil sump tank seals, O-rings.

Selection notes: A common selection for hot oils and lubricants. Confirm low-temperature requirement and dynamic sealing needs.

08 Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)

ASTM D2000: DH | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -55°C to +180°C
Good fuel and lubricating oil resistance
High tensile strength
Aggressive media resistance like hydrogen sulfide, amine, power transmission oil
Radiation resistance

Main applications: Seals resistant to 134a, automotive oil seals, power transmission hoses, packers / screw pumps, O-rings.

Selection notes: Strong mechanical strength + oil resistance at higher temperature than NBR. Frequently used for demanding seals.

09 Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber Compound (XNBR)

ASTM D2000: BG | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -30°C to +160°C
Good wear resistance
Good adhesion and aging resistance
Excellent high strength and tear resistance
Excellent tensile strength at high temperature

Main applications: Rubber hose/tape, oil well special articles, reciprocating oil seals, O-rings, rubber roller, sealing ring, wire and cable sheath, floor cleaning robot tire.

Selection notes: Good when you need NBR-family oil resistance plus higher strength/tear and abrasion performance.

10 Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Compound (NBR)

ASTM D2000: BG | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–95

Temperature range of -55°C to +130°C
Excellent oil resistance
Good low temperature resistance
Good chemical stability
Excellent physical, mechanical and processability

Main applications: Rubber lining of aerospace devices, hoses and fuel tanks, military and automobile industry parts, transformer and LPG pipeline parts, sealing rubber products (O-ring, oil seal), transmission belt, printing rubber roller, wire and cable products.

Selection notes: A workhorse for oil/fuel sealing. If outdoor ozone/weather aging is important, consider EPDM/CR/CSM or specify ozone-resistant formulations.

11 Nitrile Rubber–Polyvinylchloride Blend Rubber (NBR/PVC)

ASTM D2000: BG | Typical hardness: Shore A 50–90

Temperature range of -50°C to 110°C
Ozone resistance of neoprene
Oil resistance of nitrile rubber
Significantly improve the weather aging resistance of products
Significantly improve flame retardancy and chemical resistance

Main applications: Outer rubber of automobile fuel pipe & oil pipe, seals & rings, high pressure & ultra-high pressure steel braided rubber hose, textile industry cots / printing / dyeing cots, aviation rubber parts, wire and cable sheath.

Selection notes: Useful when you need nitrile oil resistance plus improved weathering/flame performance. Confirm flexibility requirements at low temperature.

12 Chlorohydrin Rubber Compound (ECO / CO / GCO)

ASTM D2000: CH | Typical hardness: Shore A 55–90

Temperature range of -40°C to +150°C
Good heat resistance
Excellent balance between low temperature and fuel resistance
Good ozone resistance
Excellent flame resistance
Excellent semi-conductivity

Main applications: Automotive fuel hose (inner/adhesive/outer layer), compound rubber for fuel hoses (specially bonded with FKM, CSM), special rubber of printer rolls, diaphragms, O-rings.

Selection notes: Often selected for fuel hoses and flame resistance with balanced low-temp performance.

13 Chloroprene Rubber Compound (CR)

ASTM D2000: BC | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -50°C to +150°C
Good physical and mechanical properties
Good oil resistance, heat resistance and flame resistance
Good weather resistance and ozone aging resistance
Good acid and alkali resistance and chemical reagent resistance

Main applications: Neoprene diving suit, sealing material and rubber seal, wire and cable sheath, agricultural capsule air cushion and lifeboat, oil resistant hose, transmission belt and transport belt.

Selection notes: Strong general-purpose balance for outdoor durability plus moderate oil/flame performance.

14 Polyvinyl Chloride and Chloroprene Blended Rubber (PVC/CR)

ASTM D2000: BC | Typical hardness: Shore A 50–90

Temperature range of -50°C to +200°C
Good low temperature resistance
Good physical and mechanical properties
Excellent flame retardance and dielectric properties
Good resistance to acid and alkali, chemical reagents

Main applications: Leather material, sealing material and rubber seal, wire and cable sheath, agricultural capsule air cushion and lifeboat, oil resistant hose, transmission belt and transport belt.

Selection notes: Used where flame retardance and electrical properties are key. Confirm the actual temperature requirement with the specific compound grade.

15 Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber Compound (CSM)

ASTM D2000: DE | Typical hardness: Shore A 50–95

Temperature range of -60°C to +150°C
Excellent resistance to ozone and weather aging
Good chemical corrosion resistance and oil resistance
Excellent mechanical and electrical insulation
Excellent resistance to chemical media corrosion and flame retardancy

Main applications: Automobile industry, sheath and equipment lining of wires and cables, pipes with special performance (refrigerant delivery pipe), transport belt, seal products.

Selection notes: Good outdoor aging resistance plus chemical and flame performance. Confirm media and flexibility requirements.

16 Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate Rubber (EVM)

ASTM D2000: CA | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -40°C to +175°C
Excellent heat aging resistance
Excellent flame retardancy
Good oil resistance
Good weather aging resistance

Main applications: Halogen-free flame retardant cable sheath, medium and low voltage insulating sheath, auto parts, heat resistant insulated wire.

Selection notes: Often chosen for cable/sheath applications needing halogen-free flame performance.

17 Silicone Rubber (VMQ) (HTV/HCR, LSR)

ASTM D2000: FE | Typical hardness: Shore A 20–80

Temperature range of -55°C to +250°C
Good resistance to high temperature and low temperature
Good insulation performance
Good weather resistance and ozone aging resistance
Good physiological inertia and gas permeability

Main applications: Medical supplies, power industry, automobile industry, intelligent wear, communication industry, baby industry.

Selection notes: Excellent for temperature extremes and outdoor aging. If oils/fuels are involved, consider FVMQ/FKM/FEPM depending on conditions.

18 Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPM)

ASTM D2000: CA | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–95

Temperature range of -60°C to +150°C
Excellent resilience
Excellent alkali resistance
Excellent mechanical strength
Good electrical insulation

Main applications: Electric/electronic industry (cables, submarine cables, insulating wires, transformer insulation), automobile sealing strip/hose/sheath/tire strip, construction sealing and waterproofing products, daily necessities and sports equipment, mechanical and chemical equipment and other rubber products.

Selection notes: Often used for electrical insulation and weathering resistance. Not typically selected for oil/fuel exposure.

19 Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM)

ASTM D2000: CA | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–95

Temperature range of -60°C to +150°C
Excellent aging resistance, ultraviolet and radiant energy
Excellent corrosion resistance
Excellent water vapor resistance
Excellent electrical insulation
Excellent chemical resistance

Main applications: Wire and cable sheath and insulation materials, rubber parts for automobile, light colored sanitary products, light colored sidewall of tire, household appliance, anticorrosive lining, intelligent wear.

Selection notes: A top choice for outdoor weathering and hot water/steam exposure. Not typically used for oils/fuels.

20 Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber (IIR)

ASTM D2000: BA | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–90

Temperature range of -60°C to +130°C
Excellent air tightness
Excellent chemical resistance
Excellent shock absorption and ozone resistance
Excellent electrical insulation

Main applications: Inner tube of automobile and aircraft, air tight layer of tire, medicinal bottle stopper and gas mask, sealing gaskets, wire and cable products, lining of corrosive liquid containers, damping material and bridge bearing pad.

Selection notes: Best known for low gas permeability. Confirm media compatibility if oils/fuels are involved.

21 Chloro Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber (CIIR)

ASTM D2000: BA | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–80

Temperature range of -60°C to +130°C
Excellent air tightness
Excellent chemical resistance
Excellent flexibility resilience
Excellent shock absorption and heat resistance
Excellent weather resistance

Main applications: Industrial rubber products, rubber products for sports, chemical anticorrosive lining, medical rubber products (bottle plug), building sealing materials, protective clothing and equipment covers.

Selection notes: Similar selection logic to IIR with additional performance advantages depending on the application.

22 Natural Rubber Compound (NR)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–95

Temperature range of -20°C to +100°C
Excellent resilience
Excellent alkali resistance
Excellent mechanical strength
Good electrical insulation

Main applications: Medical surgical gloves, industrial conveyor belt, sounding balloon for meteorological survey transportation, drainage and irrigation hose, damping equipment, various tires used in transportation.

Selection notes: Excellent mechanical resilience. For outdoor/ozone exposure, specify protection or consider EPDM/CR/CSM depending on requirements.

23 Polyisoprene Rubber Compound (IR)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 35–85

Temperature range of -50°C to +100°C
Excellent resilience
Excellent cold resistance
Excellent electrical insulation
Good mechanical strength

Main applications: Rubber products for food, drainage and irrigation hose, medical and health products, damping equipment, tire mesa rubber.

Selection notes: Similar selection space to NR with advantages depending on application needs and compound design.

24 Cis-Polybutadiene Rubber Compound (BR)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 35–80

Temperature range of -60°C to +100°C
Excellent resilience
Excellent wear resistance
Excellent cold resistance
Good bending resistance, flexibility and dynamic performance

Main applications: Tire manufacturing, damping equipment, cold resistant products, cushioning materials, rubber roller.

Selection notes: Strong for dynamic performance and cold resistance. Confirm weathering/ozone requirements in outdoor use.

25 Thermoplastic Styrene–Butadiene Rubber (SBS)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 35–90

Good low temperature resistance
Excellent tensile strength, elasticity and electrical properties
Good flexing and resilience
Good air permeability and wet skid resistance
Small permanent deformation

Main applications: Building glue, waterproof coiled material, building sealant, shoemaking industry, wire and cable products.

Selection notes: Thermoplastic elastomer behavior can be beneficial for certain manufacturing methods and cost targets.

26 Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Rubber Compound (SEBS)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 35–90

Temperature range of -50°C to +140°C
Excellent electrical performance
Excellent aging resistance
Good temperature resistance
Excellent blending properties

Main applications: Covering material (tool handle), sports equipment, sealing strip, medical apparatus and instruments, wire and cable products.

Selection notes: Often selected for soft-touch grips and consumer parts requiring aging resistance and stable feel.

27 Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber Compound (SBR)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 35–95

Temperature range of -50°C to +100°C
Excellent heat resistance
Excellent traction performance
Excellent wear resistance
Good flexibility at low temperature

Main applications: Tape and hose products, wire and cable products, auto parts, medical appliance accessories, tire industry.

Selection notes: Common in tires and general rubber goods. Confirm ozone/weathering needs if outdoors.

28 Solution Polymerized Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Compound (S-SBR)

ASTM D2000: AA | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–80

Excellent anti-aging and weatherability
Excellent high and low temperature resistance
Excellent resistance to groove cracking
Good flexion resistance and flexibility
Excellent dynamic and wear resistance

Main applications: Auto parts, mechanical products, electrical products, wire and cable products, building material.

Selection notes: Frequently used when dynamic wear and anti-cracking performance are important.

29 Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Rubbers Compound (EVA)

ASTM D2000: CA | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–95

Temperature range of -60°C to +120°C
Good water resistance
Excellent corrosion resistance
Good shockproof and cushioning properties
Good sound insulation effect

Main applications: Shoe materials, sound insulation board, gymnastic pad and sealing material, wire and cable products, toys.

Selection notes: Common choice for cushioning and soft parts. Confirm load and permanent set requirements.

30 Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer (TPEE)

ASTM D2000: (varies) | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–90

Temperature range of -50°C to +100°C
Good chemical resistance
Good UV resistance
Excellent weather resistance and fatigue resistance
Excellent colorability, tactile softness

Main applications: High grade and transparent toys, medical apparatus and instruments, sports equipment and sealing ring, wire and cable products.

Selection notes: Often used where fatigue resistance and a more engineered thermoplastic elastomer profile are needed.

31 Polysulfide Rubber Compound (TM/THV)

ASTM D2000: DE | Typical hardness: Shore A 30–80

Temperature range of -30°C to +80°C
Excellent low-temperature softness
Good dielectric properties
Excellent oil and solvent resistance
Excellent ozone resistance

Main applications: Oil delivery hose, sealing of aircraft fuel tanks and cabin and rocket propellants, diaphragm of gas meter, printing cot, sealing ring.

Selection notes: Selected for specific sealing/solvent resistance needs within its temperature capability.

32 Chlorinated Polyethylene Rubber Compound (CPE)

ASTM D2000: DE | Typical hardness: Shore A 40–80

Temperature range of -40°C to +110°C
Excellent weather resistance and ozone resistance
Good oil resistance, flame retardancy and coloring
Chemical resistance and aging resistance
Good compatibility

Main applications: Wire and cable products, auto parts manufacturing, rubber and plastic products, flame retardant conveyor belt, sealing material, vehicle hose, hydraulic hose.

Selection notes: Often used for cable and general industrial parts where weathering + flame performance are required.

What to send us for correct material selection

Drawing/CAD + critical dimensions and tolerances
Media list (exact fluid name, concentration, and exposure type: splash/immersion/vapor)
Temperature (min/max, continuous vs. peak, heat soak time)
Seal type (static/dynamic, pressure/vacuum, target leak rate if applicable)
Hardness target (Shore A) and any compression set limit
Environment (outdoor ozone/UV, steam, electrical, flame requirements)
Compliance (food contact/medical/low-smoke/halogen-free/UL, etc.)

With this input, we can propose a short list of compounds, confirm manufacturability, and validate performance with the tests required for your project.

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