Currently there are two kinds of rubbers on the market: natural and synthetic ones.

Natural rubbers, according to UNI7703, are obtained combining the latex of some tropical plants. They have excellent mechanical properties but low resistance to atmospheric agents, temperature and many chemical compounds.

Synthetic rubbers are produced from simple hydrocarbons generating artificial latexes later combined. Many artificial elastomers like EPDM SBR NBR FMQ VMQ CR are currently available with many different mechanical and chemical resistance properties.

Rubbers are used in a multitude of application sectors, from gaskets to antivibrations and suspensions. To produce anti-slip mats, elastic elements, footwear and tyres, to isolate electrical cables, to produce various types of pipes, conveyor belts, hot water bottle, dinghies, floats and other products.

Their hardness is expressed in degrees, according to the Shore A scale. Generally natural rubbers vary between 35 and 60 A degrees, instead synthetic rubbers between 55 and 80 A degrees, because the hardness is higher as much as the degree is superior.

In the same category of solid rubber there are the foam ones, obtained by chemical or physical expansion. Thanks to their softness they provide optimal tightness. They are produced with closed cell or half-closed or open.

Vulkollan, Adiprene, Vulcaprene are particular elastomers with an excellent tensile, tear and abrasion resistance. Moreover they resist to high temperature air too.