Uses of polymers in Industry

The sheer number of uses of polymers in industry is as vast as they are diverse. Their versatility and range of favourable characteristics make them a firm (or should that be flexible?!) favourite amongst manufacturers of all shapes and sizes. So just what are the uses of polymer that we see today? TRP Polymer Solutions explains all.

What are some uses of polymers?

There are innumerable uses of polymers in industry. This is thanks in large part to their sheer versatility and the broad range of favourable characteristics that can be achieved through polymerisation.

For instance, you will find some polymers that are suitable for extreme weathering, 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 a polymer suitable for the job.

Butyl

Butyl offers outstanding resistance to heat, chemicals, ageing, weather, ozone, abrasion, flexing and tearing. Butyl is also resistant to phosphate ester based hydraulic fluids, provides exemplary electrical insulation, and boasts low permeability to gas and moisture.

It is not recommended for use with oils and fluids. Butyl is used in a wide range of applications, including shock mounts, inner tubes, stoppers for glass bottles, sealants and adhesives, ‘O’ rings, pond liners, tank liners, construction sealants, hoses, and shock absorption.

Chlorosulphonated rubber (CSM)

Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene (CSM), widely known as Hypalon, is considered to be a superior form of chloroprene or Neoprene to give it its more widely known brand name. CSM trumps standard Neoprene with improved chemical resistance, heat ageing and low gas permeability.

It also offers excellent electrical properties, as well as ozone and weathering resistance. CSM offers poor fuel resistance and a poor compression set. Typical applications include electrical cable jacketing and static seals.

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a high-density, synthetic rubber typically used for outdoor applications, such as roofing. With dynamic and mechanical properties somewhere between natural and synthetic rubber, EPDM is an extremely versatile material.

A less costly alternative to silicone, EPDM offers a long life cycle; making it a cost- and time-saving material. EPDM is commonly used for panel gaskets and seals, hydraulic brake systems, roof membranes, ‘O’ rings and hoses, and electrical insulation to name but a few.

Fluoroelastomers (FKM)

Fluoroelastomers, also known as FKM or the brand name Viton, offer excellent heat and chemical resistance. Capable of operating in temperatures in excess of 200 °C (392 °F), FKM moulded components such, as FKM ‘O’ rings, are engineered to withstand even the most extreme chemicals and petroleum-based oils.

Originally developed by DuPont for the aerospace industry, FKM is now widely used across Industry for everything from ‘O’ rings to fuel hoses, joints, manifold gaskets, fuel tank bladders and firewall seals.

Nitrile

Nitrile rubber –also known as nitrile-butadiene rubber, NBR or Buna-N – is a synthetic rubber that delivers outstanding resistance to a variety of oils, non-polar solvents and acids. Nitrile rubber is more resistant to heat ageing than natural rubber, which can harden and lose its damping capability.

Nitrile is also an ideal material for applications requiring metal adhesion and abrasion resistance. It is commonly employed in the manufacture of gaskets, seals, ‘O’ rings, fuel pump diaphragms, fuel systems, hydraulic hoses and tubing, amongst others.

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM)

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) were developed in the 1960s to meet the demand for a more chemically resistant polymer with the ability to withstand higher temperatures. Once again, the take up of FFKM has evolved from its early days as a space programme material to widespread use in Industry today.

Our TRPlast Perfluoroelastomer, which is available as International Standard sized ‘O’ rings and custom moulded components, is used in highly aggressive chemical processing, semiconductor wafer fabrication, pharmaceutical, oil and gas recovery, and aerospace applications.

TRP Polymer Solutions offers all of these polymers and more, which are specially formulated to meet your specifications regarding hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, compression set and specific colours.

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

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