A rubber sheet is a versatile, durable, and resilient material made primarily from natural or synthetic rubber compounds. These sheets are manufactured through processes like calendering or extrusion and are then vulcanized to achieve their final physical properties. At Kaxite, we engineer our rubber sheets to meet precise industrial and commercial standards, ensuring exceptional performance under a wide range of environmental conditions, from extreme temperatures to chemical exposure. Their primary function is to provide sealing, cushioning, insulation, protection, and abrasion resistance. Available in various grades, thicknesses, and hardness levels, they serve as fundamental components in countless applications across automotive, construction, manufacturing, marine, and electronics industries.
Our commitment at Kaxite is to provide materials with consistent, reliable, and documented performance. Below are the detailed specifications for our standard industrial-grade rubber sheet.
| Property | ASTM Test Method | Typical Range (Varies by Grade) | Kaxite Standard Grade Example (NBR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Shore A) | D2240 | 40°A to 90°A | 70°A ±5 |
| Tensile Strength | D412 | 10 - 25 MPa | 17 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | D412 | 200% - 600% | 350% |
| Specific Gravity | D297 | 1.2 - 1.8 g/cm³ | 1.4 g/cm³ |
| Compression Set (22 hrs @ 70°C) | D395 | 10% - 40% | 20% |
| Tear Resistance | D624 (Die C) | 20 - 60 kN/m | 45 kN/m |
| Resistance Type | Performance Rating | Recommended Kaxite Polymer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil & Fuel (ASTM Oil #3) | Excellent to Good | NBR, FKM | Volume swell <15% for NBR. |
| Ozone & Weathering | Excellent | EPDM, CR, FKM | Resists cracking from UV and ozone exposure. |
| Temperature Range | -60°C to +300°C | Silicone (VMQ), FKM | Continuous service range varies. Standard NR: -40°C to +80°C. |
| Water & Steam | Excellent to Good | EPDM, FKM | Low water absorption, good for gaskets in plumbing. |
| Acids & Alkalis (Dilute) | Good to Fair | Neoprene, EPDM | Resistance depends on concentration and temperature. |
| Abrasion | Excellent | Natural Rubber, NBR | Ideal for liners, pads, and protective sheets. |
Q: How do I choose the right type of rubber sheet for my application?
A: Selecting the correct type depends on the specific environmental and mechanical demands of your project. Key factors to consider are: the fluids or chemicals the sheet will contact (e.g., oil requires NBR, ozone requires EPDM), the operating temperature range, required hardness (durometer) for sealing or cushioning, and necessary physical properties like tensile strength or abrasion resistance. Kaxite's technical support team can guide you through this selection process based on your detailed requirements.
Q: What is the difference between natural rubber and synthetic rubber sheets?
A: Natural rubber sheets, derived from latex, offer superior elasticity, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance but have poor resistance to oils, fuels, and ozone. Synthetic rubbers like NBR, EPDM, and Silicone are engineered to excel in specific areas: NBR for oil resistance, EPDM for weather and heat resistance, and Silicone for extreme high/low temperatures. The choice is application-driven.
Q: Can Kaxite rubber sheets be custom-cut or fabricated?
A: Absolutely. Kaxite offers comprehensive fabrication services. We can die-cut, water-jet cut, slit, or skive our rubber sheets into precise shapes, gaskets, seals, or strips per your technical drawings or specifications. This ensures ready-to-install components that save you time and reduce material waste.
Q: How should I store rubber sheets to ensure their longevity?
A: For optimal shelf life, store Kaxite rubber sheets in a cool, dry, and dark environment, away from direct sunlight, UV light, and sources of ozone like electrical motors. Ideal storage temperature is between 10°C and 25°C (50°F and 77°F). Keep them away from heat sources and store them flat or on a roll to avoid permanent deformation or creasing. Do not store in contact with sharp objects or under heavy weights.
Q: What is the significance of the durometer or Shore A hardness?
A: Durometer measures the material's resistance to indentation, indicating its softness or hardness. A lower number (e.g., 40°A) means a softer, more pliable sheet suitable for sealing uneven surfaces or vibration isolation. A higher number (e.g., 80°A) indicates a harder, more rigid sheet ideal for heavy-duty abrasion protection or structural padding. Kaxite provides sheets across the full spectrum to match your needs.
Q: Are Kaxite rubber sheets resistant to fire or flame?
A: Standard rubber sheets are combustible. However, Kaxite manufactures special flame-retardant (FR) and self-extinguishing grades, often based on Neoprene or compounded with additives to meet specific fire safety standards like UL 94 or ASTM E84. Please inquire about our FR-rated products for applications where fire resistance is critical.
Q: How can I join or bond rubber sheets together?
A: Rubber sheets can be effectively bonded using specialized contact cements or vulcanizing solutions designed for rubber. The surfaces must be clean, dry, and lightly abraded. For a permanent, high-strength bond, vulcanization (heat and pressure curing) is the preferred method, which Kaxite can perform as part of our fabrication service. We do not recommend general-purpose adhesives.
Q: What quality standards does Kaxite adhere to in manufacturing?
A: Kaxite maintains a rigorous quality management system. Our production processes and materials are controlled to meet international standards such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), and BS (British Standards). We perform batch testing on key properties to ensure every sheet that leaves our facility meets the specified technical data sheet values.