Uses of polymers in Industry

The sheer number of uses of polymers in industry is incredible. Their versatility and range of favourable favourable mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics make them a firm favourite amongst manufacturers across multiple industrial sectors, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and energy. So, what are the uses of polymers that we see today, and which types of polymers are better suited towards which applications? TRP Polymer Solutions explains all.

What are the uses of polymers?

There are innumerable uses of polymers in industry. This is in large part thanks to their versatility and the broad range of favourable characteristics that can be achieved through polymer chemistry, compounding, and controlled curing processes.

For instance, some elastomers are specifically formulated for long-term outdoor exposure, while others might be flame-retardant, steam-resistant or capable of operating at extreme highs or lows in temperature. No matter what the application requirement, there is typically a polymer grade engineered for the job.

Below, we explore the uses of polymers in industry, discussing the distinct attributes of various industrial elastomer materials and why these make them preferable for specialised applications.

Butyl

Butyl rubber (IIR) offers excellent resistance to heat ageing, ozone, weathering, and many chemicals. Butyl is also resistant to phosphate ester-based hydraulic fluids, provides exemplary electrical insulation, and boasts low permeability to gas and moisture. However, it has poor resistance to petroleum oils and fuels and only moderate abrasion and tear resistance compared with other elastomers.

Butyl is used in a wide range of applications, including shock mounts, stoppers for glass bottles, sealants and adhesives, O-rings, tank liners, hoses, and vibration and shock isolation components.

Chlorosulphonated rubber (CSM)

Chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM), formerly sold under the trade name Hypalon, is a distinct elastomer to chloroprene (CR), and offers improved chemical resistance, heat ageing, and resistance to UV and environmental exposure.

It also offers excellent electrical properties, as well as ozone, radiation, and weathering resistance. However, CSM has limited resistance to petroleum fuels and typically exhibits moderate compression set performance. Its typical applications include static seals, glove ports and caps, and radiation-resistant rubber seals for the nuclear industry.

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber. With good mechanical and dynamic properties, EPDM is an extremely versatile material.

TRP Polymer Solutions Ltd have developed speciality grades for use in heat exchangers, composite PTFE diaphragms, hydrogen electrolysers and for use in food contact applications.

Fluoroelastomers (FKM)

Fluoroelastomers, also known as FKM (with Viton® being a common trade name), offer excellent heat and chemical resistance. Capable of operating in temperatures typically up to 200–250°C, depending on grade, FKM custom rubber mouldings and O-rings are engineered to withstand aggressive chemicals and petroleum-based oils.

Originally developed by DuPont for the aerospace industry, FKM is now widely used across industry for O-rings, fuel hoses, joints, manifold gaskets, fuel tanks, and accumulator bladders.

Nitrile

Nitrile rubber – also known as nitrile-butadiene rubber, NBR, or Buna-N – is a synthetic rubber that delivers outstanding resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, greases, and many non-polar solvents. Nitrile rubber is more resistant to heat ageing than natural rubber.

NBR also offers good abrasion resistance and strong adhesion to metals. It is commonly employed in the manufacture of custom rubber gaskets, custom rubber seals, O-rings, fuel pump diaphragms, fuel systems, hydraulic hoses, and tubing.

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM)

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) were developed in the 1960s to meet the demand for an elastomer with near-universal chemical resistance and the ability to withstand continuous operating temperatures exceeding 300°C, depending on the grade.

Initially used in aerospace and space programmes, where TRP have space-proven formulations, FFKM materials are now widely used in aggressive chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, oil and gas recovery, and aerospace applications. Our TRPlast® Perfluoroelastomer is available as international-standard-sized O-rings and custom-moulded components.

Diverse, customised polymers at TRP Polymer Solutions

TRP Polymer Solutions offers all of these polymers and more for a variety of industries. They can be formulated to meet your specifications regarding hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, compression set and colours, to ensure optimal performance in your specific application.

For more information about our full range of polymer solutions, the uses of our polymers for specific applications, or to discuss any of our products or services in more detail, please contact our team today on +44 (0)1432 268899 or email sales@trp.co.uk.