While rubber is a highly versatile and common material, it is not indestructible. In fact, it’s helpful to know what types of materials negatively impact rubber. Rubber components are an integral part of the overall function of certain goods and machinery. So, what chemicals eat through rubber? Below you will find what impacts rubber so you can avoid any future issues.

What Chemicals Eat Through Rubber?

Because rubber is used in a number of products and industrial applications, understanding the impact certain substances have on rubber is important. Below are some of the common substances that can negatively impact rubber and rubber-related materials.

• Acid: Rubber and acid do not go well together. Acids are made up of chemical compounds with a pH of less than 7. The pH of a substance is important as it is the measure of the amount of hydrogen ions found in the solution. Hydrogen ions can degrade and negatively impact the material they come into contact with. There are a variety of acids, including acetic, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and benzoic. Acetic acid is an organic acid that is especially harmful to Viton ad Buna-N rubber seals. Organic acids are made up of carbon, and mineral acids are made up of mineral elements. Hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and sulfuric acid also attack and negatively impact Buna-N rubber. Lastly, benzoic acid negatively impacts EPDM rubber seals.
• Alkali: The combination of alkalis and rubber is harmful to rubber. This is because alkalis have a pH greater than 7 (the opposite of acids). Alkalis have a large number of hydroxide ions present in the solution. There are a variety of alkalis, including Magnesium and sodium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide is an alkali that harms Buna-N rubber. Sodium hydroxide is also harmful to Buna-N rubbers (at any temperature), but especially high temperatures.
• Petroleum-Based Materials: Hydraulic oils and greases that are petroleum-based contain hydrocarbon components. These long chains of chemicals have a negative impact on EPDM rubber seals. In fact, they can dissolve the rubber material entirely. While you can use Buna-N rubber with these types of petroleum-based chemicals, it is not always recommended. Brake fluid (also referred to as “glycol ethers”) is an excellent example of when not to use Buna-N rubber. Ether chemicals are harmful to Viton seals. Certain fuels are not recommended for Viton. In fact, gasoline affects EPDM rubber.
• Ammonia: Anhydrous ammonia has a high pH and is harmful to Viton seals.

Types of Seals

• Viton: This is a fluoropolymer elastomer and synthetic rubber compound. It is a fluorinated hydrocarbon rubber product designed to withstand challenging environments. However, it cannot withstand acid, certain fuels, and ammonia.
• Buna-N: Buna-N is also referred to as “NBR.” NBR is short for “acrylonitrile butadiene rubber” and it is a unique elastomer. This is an NBR rubber that is resistant to all petroleum-based oils and fuels, water, certain alcohols, silicone greases, and hydraulic fluids. It is important to note it cannot withstand acids, certain alkalis, and brake fluid.
• EPDM: EDPM is also known as “ethylene propylene diene terpolymer.” This is an extremely durable synthetic rubber used for low-slope rooftops. It is made up of ethylene and propylene, which are derived from natural gas an oil. However, it cannot withstand acid, certain petroleum-based materials, and gasoline.

Real Seal Specialty Seals

If you need specialty seals or are concerned that your seals can be impacted by certain materials, contact the team at Real Seal. The team at Real Seal manufactures and distributes seal products and mechanical component goods. Check out their website for your Real Seal specialty seals needs.