Special Rubber Types
The above mentioned rubber types are so-called general purpose. Many other types are available, each with its own special properties. The most common special types in our products are ethylene-propylene, butyl, chloroprene and nitrile rubber.

Ethylene-propylene rubber (EDM/EPDM) - for many purposes
For manufacture of the sheeting used at high temperatures, ethylene-propylene rubber, with the abbreviation EPDM, is used. The first two letters mean that the rubber consists of ethylene and propylene, but the letter D tells us that a diene is also present. That third monomer makes it possible to cure the rubber with sulfur since it introduces double bonds in the structure, thereby changing the structure to an unsaturated polymer.
Since ethylene-propylene rubber does not crack outdoors (good ozone resistance) it is widely used for seals in buildings and in the automotive industry. Steam hose, high temperature-resistant seals and roll covers are other applications.

Butyl rubber (IIR) - when low gas permeation is needed
Products used to prevent gases from passing through the material are based on butyl rubber. The polymer consists of isobutene with a minor part of isoprene. The isoprene makes the rubber unsaturated and possible to vulcanize. The gas permeability increases with increased temperature for all rubber types, but for butyl rubber it is very low, up to 160-175 F.Tire inner tubes are made of butyl rubber.

Chloroprene rubber (CR) - resistant to oil and weather
Most chloroprene rubber types consist solely of polymerized chloroprene monomers. The polymer has a good resistance to the outdoor climate and reasonable oil resistance. It is therefore used in products exposed to oil-based fuels and weather.
 
Nitrile rubber (NBR) - for use with oil
Nitrile rubber is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is the most common polymer for products that are in contact with oil and fuel.
Nitrile rubber is used in inner tubes for fuel and oil hoses, for example.

Not Only Rubber
A rubber compound used for product manufacturing contains much more than a polymer as shown by the following list:

Fillers
Carbon black is used to reinforce the compound. Whiting or clay can be used to extend the compound.

Vulcanizing Agents
Besides sulfur, accelerators are used to achieve a higher curing rate, and activators contribute to an initiation of the curing process.

Ageing Protectors
Antioxidants and antiozonants are used to protect the rubber from oxidation and ozone cracking.

Softeners
To regulate the hardness and improve the processing of a rubber compound, for example, mineral oils, or ester, plastizers are used.

Special Ingredients
Pigments in light-colored compounds, antistatic lubricants to reduce static electricity, blowing agents for sponge rubber, flame retarders to improve non-inflammability, etc.

Reinforcement
To increase mechanical strength, many rubber products are reinforced. Typical reinforcement materials are textile fabrics for protective clothing, textile and steel cord in tires and hoses, as well as glass-fiber cord in certain special hoses.