What is chemical resistance?

Different rubber compounds are susceptible or resistant to different media. The typical risk contact media include oils, solvents, acids, bases, gases and water vapor. Depending on the area of application and potential contact media, the rubber material should be selected with care. According to DIN 53521, the extent to which the properties of an elastomer change after contact with one of the media over a certain period of time is investigated. Fluororubber (FPM) has excellent resistance to a wide range of media, which surpasses most elastomers. Elastomers such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, EPDM and butyl rubber have average to good resistance to most media, with the exception of oils. However, nitrile rubber has particularly good resistance to oil and grease. nitrile rubber (NBR) is particularly resistant to oil and grease.