There are various synthetic rubber types, such as Santoprene and Neoprene. Both compounds have similar and differing components and characteristics. The contrasting properties of these synthetic elastomers make each product distinctive. In other words, depending on your purpose, Santoprene material may be better for certain applications than Neoprene (thermoset elastomers) and vice versa.
Santoprene “Block Design” 60A
Synthetic rubbers have a long-standing history in the United States and other parts of the world. According to the deceased chemist, Ralph Wolf, nothing has become as universal and indispensible as synthetic rubber. It is arguably one of the most important creation of man when the progress of modern civilization was still dependent on the volatility of natural rubber supply.
After its introduction to Europe in 1496, synthetic elastomers have drastically evolved and revolutionized how the world utilized rubber. Before synthetic rubber types were developed, the world relied heavily on natural rubber. Although the developments of synthetic elastomers can be traced back to the late 1800s, it was not until World War II that the production of artificial rubber was truly propelled forward. During World War II, Japan ascertained control of Malaysia’s and the Dutch East Indie’s natural rubber production. As a result, natural rubber resources were limited in certain countries, like the United Sates. Since elastomer played an essential role in U.S. war machinery, the United States launched a massive effort to develop artificial rubber. However, it was not only the United States that conducted development research on synthetic elastomers, but other countries as well.
Skirtboard – SBR Rubber – 70A – 1500 PSI
- Blended with natural gum rubber
- Operates in temperatures between -20° F and 212° F
- Good resistance to certain chemicals, but not meant for use with oils
- Available in a large assortment of thickness and widths
Variety of Gauges: Our Skirtboard rubber material comes in a variety of different thickness gauges so that you can have the right part for your application. We offer gauges that range from 1/8” to 2” thick upon request. The thickness of a skirting rubber part can correlate with its durability and effectiveness. Therefore, the thicker the material, the more long-lasting the rubber part will be.
Meant for Tough Jobs: Skirtboard rubber is meant for tough jobs that involve a lot of physical abrasions. The SBR rubber used to make the material provides for the enhanced durability that makes it so popular. This thick rubber material is well suited for use as conveyor skirting, belt wipers, blast curtains, bumpers, and street sweeper and snowplow blades. All of these applications involve rough physical conditions that could damage machines. This type of hard rubber is the perfect material to handle such jobs and protect the overall integrity of the application.
Two synthetic rubber types are Santoprene and Neoprene. Santoprene material is produced by cross-linking EPDM rubber and polypropylene (plastic). The end result is a thermoplastic elastomer substance. On the other hand, Neoprene belongs to a family of thermoset elastomers. Unlike thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers will chemically degrade instead of melting when heated. The following below are characteristics that make Santoprene and Neoprene (respectively) unique:
Production
- Santoprene: Manufactured in the same way most plastics are produced, allowing for easy processing which helps reduce production costs.
- Neoprene: Manufactured similarly to other rubbers, with comparatively good production costs.
Temperature Resistance
- Santoprene: Can withstand extreme temperatures without hardening or cracking. The temperature range includes -50 degrees to +275 degrees Fahrenheit (continuous) and -74 degrees to +300 degrees Fahrenheit (intermittent), making it a preferred choice for manufacturers.
- Neoprene: These thermoset elastomers are not ideal for high temperatures due to average heat aging resistance.
Abrasion Resistance
- Santoprene: A high-performance rubber with good fatigue resistance.
- Neoprene: Has moderately good abrasion resistance in dynamic applications such as shock absorption.
Chemical Resistance
- Santoprene: Offers fairly good chemical resistance, similar to neoprene, but with some differences. For example, Santoprene is barely affected by sulfuric acid and pyridine, while neoprene can be severely damaged. Both materials excel in resistance to sodium chloride and zinc chloride.
- Neoprene: Known for good resistance to oil and grease, but performs poorly with fuel.
Environmental Resistance
- Santoprene: Resistant to weather, ozone, and environmental factors that may cause hardening with age.
- Neoprene: Similar to Santoprene in resistance to ozone and oxidation.
Santoprene – 60A
- Slow burn rate
- Low compression and tension set
- Also available in a blocked surface texture option
- Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges
- Continuous Temperature Range: -50° F to 275° F
Intermittent Temperature Range: -74° F to 300° F - Santoprene rubber is polyolefin based and completely recyclable
Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.
Can Operate in Outdoor Conditions: The Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer is unique in the fact that it can function well in outdoor conditions. UV rays and ozone are a regular presence in the outdoors. They can often damage various other rubber products over time by causing cracks to form on the material surfaces. These Santoprene sheets will not suffer from that problem. This is largely due to the EPDM material used to make them. This quality synthetic rubber can be used in the outdoors fully exposed to UV rays and other weather conditions.
Flexibility and Durability
- Santoprene: Same flexibility and durability as natural rubber, but lasts longer in harsher temperatures.
- Neoprene: Good tensile strength and moderate flexibility.
Recyclability
- Santoprene: Fully recyclable; scrap material can be reclaimed or recycled during manufacturing, and products can be remanufactured after use.
- Neoprene: Can be recycled similarly to other rubbers, allowing for reclamation.
As you can see, both synthetic elastomers have similarities and differences. However, it is the different characteristics that make each material (respectively) unique. Furthermore, it is the contrasting qualities that make Neoprene or Santoprene preferred over the other in certain applications.
Santoprene material is used in the following industries: automotive, building and construction, electrical, household appliances, and health care. Gaskets, window and oven seals, and knife handles are a few of the applications that Santoprene is used for. Neoprene thermoset elastomers are used in sound studios, construction sites, industrial gasketing, and pet car flooring.
These are two of the best synthetic rubber types. As the world continues to find alternative options for depleting natural resources, such as natural rubber, synthetic elastomers will continue to develop and influence how we will use elastomers in the future.
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