Breiner Innovative utilizes several non-metallic materials when crafting gaskets, including rubber and silicone. While both have their value as reliable sealants, deciding the right material depends on your individual application. So, what are the differences and advantages between rubber vs silicone? Let’s take a look:
Rubber vs Silicone
While both materials generally serve as all-purpose seals, their durability and compatibility couldn’t be more different. Varying temperature ranges and chemical resistance can impact the longevity of the gasket, so companies should consider this when selecting the material. For the purpose of this article, we’ll compare synthetic rubber vs silicone due to their similarities in temperature and petroleum chemical resistance.
Rubber Gaskets
Synthetic rubbers are made from a variety of petroleum-based monomers, making them not only heat-resistant but also durable against petrol fluids, liquids, oils, or greases. Of the many synthetic rubbers we use, here are three popular rubber choices:
is one of the strongest synthetic rubbers for petroleum or oil. Boasting high heat resistance, nitrile is an ideal gasket material for fuel pumps and automotive or industrial machines.
SBR (styrene butadiene rubber)
as well as being a more economical alternative, SRB is an
elastomer with high tensile strength, durability, and breakdown resistance. SBR gaskets are mostly used in hydraulic braking systems and the tire industry—perfect for delivery truck manufacturers.
Neoprene
is a strong choice for various indoor and outdoor environmental applications due to its resistance to water, sunlight, ozone,
heat
or other elements. With its wide temperature range and tensile strength, neoprene is useful in automotive, refrigeration, and HVAC.
Rubber and Silicone are both excellent materials for gaskets, but sometimes one is more useful than the other.
This shows the versatility of synthetic rubber gaskets as flexible, affordable options in industrial machinery. However, not all rubbers are made equal, so take precautionary research for each one before selecting.
Silicone Gaskets
Silicone gaskets hold their own advantages against synthetic rubber within the manufacturing industry. Though some synthetic rubbers manage in wide temperature ranges, silicone can operate smoothly from -100°C (-150° F) to +250° C (+480° F): working well for aerospace engines or ventilation.
These gaskets also hold endurance against water and electricity, allowing FDA-compliant grades to perform in food-service processes like industrial ovens. Breiner provides silicone gaskets to the medical industry, including in pharmacies, valves, and heart pumps for surgery.
Considering the many industries that benefit from silicone gaskets, companies should be mindful that silicone is most beneficial for applications in extreme conditions. Indoors or outdoors, each machine undergoes varying degrees of tension during service, and thus research is required to find its most compatible gasket material.
Regardless of the choice between rubber vs silicone gasket, it’s crucial to research the proper material for your application. Selection of a durable synthetic rubber or multi-resistant silicone part ensures better function of not just the machine, but your business, too. Still unsure what material is right for you? Contact us today and let Breiner help you research and identify the right innovative solution for your needs.