Rubber products are everywhere, and you likely come into contact with countless rubber products in your daily life. Because rubber is such a common material, it’s important to know how long rubber products last. Below you will find the shelf life of rubber products so you don’t risk using expired goods.

Shelf Life of Rubber Products

One of the major factors in how long your rubber lasts is the condition in which they are stored. In the best of conditions, rubber can last well beyond its expiration date. However, poor conditions can cause major issues. In fact, rubber stored in optimal conditions can be used beyond its expiration date. 

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the long shelf life of rubber. Rubber should be stored in a cool, dry place as water and warmth can negatively impact the rubber. The area should also be free from light, moisture, oxygen, and any chemicals or chemical-related products. These can disrupt the integrity of rubber and cause issues with its effectiveness. The best temperature for rubber is below 25 degrees Celsius, but preferably at 15 degrees Celsius.

It’s important to note that the shelf life of a product is not the sole indicator as to whether the rubber product is still good. In fact, it can be somewhat risky to wait to use rubber products until the last possible time indicated by the expiration date. Do you have a variety of rubber products? It is best to use them as soon as possible in order to ensure their maximum effectiveness. Even in the best of conditions, rubber can undergo changes and their physical properties can be damaged to a point of being unusable. If the rubber product has expired, it’s best to avoid using it due to the possible negative impacts caused by expired rubber.

Shelf Life of Common Rubber Products

Below are some of the common rubbers used in a variety of products. They are listed by their trade name or common name and their respective recommended shelf life.

• Silicone: This is commonly used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medicine, and even cooking utensils. The shelf life of silicone is 20 years.
• Viton (“Fluorel”): Commonly used in seals for aircraft engines, automotive fuel handling systems, and vacuum seals, the shelf life of Viton is 20 years.
• Neoprene: This is commonly used in water sportswear, automotive gaskets, and athletic equipment. The shelf life of neoprene is 5 to 10 years.
• EPDM: EPDM, also referred to as ethylene propylene diene monomer, is used in window and door seals as well as cooling system hoses. The shelf life of EPDM is 5 to 10 years.
• Butyl: Commonly used in O-rings, caulks, sealants, fiberoptic compounds, and agricultural chemicals, Butyl can last up to 5 to 10 years.
• Nitrile (“NBR”): This is commonly used in fuel hoses, gaskets, rollers, and other products that require oil resistance. The shelf life of Nitrile is 5 to 10 years.
• SBR: SBR, also referred to as styrene-butadiene rubber, is used in the manufacturing of automobile tires. The shelf life of SBR is 3 to 5 years.
• Natural Rubber: Commonly used in medical devices, surgical gloves, car tires, pacifiers, clothes, and toys, the shelf life of natural rubber is 3 to 5 years.

Specialty Seals

One of the best ways to determine the shelf life of your unique rubber or rubber product is to talk with a skilled rubber manufacturer. This is especially true if you are determining the shelf life of specialty seals as they are integral to the overall function of major machinery. Contact the team at Real Seal today for any of your rubber or sealant needs.