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Everything about the temperature resistance of rubber sheets. Materials, temperature ranges and applications of EPDM, NBR, silicone & Viton.
Rubber sheets can be used in many different ways in industry, trade and everyday life. They serve as seals, insulation, protective coverings or as a base for technical cut pieces.
One of the most important properties is temperature resistance, because rubber is used in environments where extreme cold or heat prevails. Whether in baking ovens, cold stores or vehicle engines – the right choice of material determines whether a component works reliably in the long term or wears out prematurely.
Rubber sheets can be used in many different ways in industry, trade and everyday life. They serve as seals, insulation, protective coverings or as a base for technical cut pieces.
One of the most important properties is temperature resistance, because rubber is used in environments where extreme cold or heat prevails.
Whether in baking ovens, cold stores or vehicle engines – the right choice of material determines whether a component works reliably in the long term or wears out prematurely.
Fundamentals of temperature resistance in rubber
Temperature resistance is understood as the ability of a material to retain its mechanical and physical properties even under strong temperature fluctuations.
For rubber sheets, this means that they remain elastic even in cold conditions or do not lose their shape in heat. The temperature ranges vary greatly depending on the type of rubber and range from -60 °C to over +250 °C.
To determine the values, standardised ageing and load tests are carried out in accordance with DIN and ISO standards. This ensures that the specified application ranges are also complied with in practice.
Temperature ranges of the most important rubber types
Natural rubber (NR)
Natural rubber is very elastic and has excellent mechanical properties.
It remains flexible down to about -40 °C, but can only be used up to approx. +80 °C. It is used, for example, in conveyor belts, floor coverings or shock absorbers.
Its weakness lies in its limited resistance to heat, ozone and weathering. As a result, it is particularly suitable for indoor applications or under controlled conditions.
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)
SBR is a low-cost alternative to natural rubber with good abrasion resistance. Its temperature range extends from about -30 °C to +100 °C. SBR is used in seals, hoses or as a floor covering.
Compared with natural rubber, it offers improved ageing resistance, but is more susceptible to ozone and weathering. It is therefore particularly suitable for industrial applications with moderate temperatures and without permanent sunlight.
EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber)
EPDM stands out for its very good resistance to UV radiation, ozone and weathering influences. Its temperature range extends from -40 °C to +120 °C, and even up to +150 °C for short periods. Typical applications are roof waterproofing, façade elements or seals in cooling and heating systems.
EPDM remains flexible even at very low temperatures and is therefore also suitable for outdoor applications in cold climates. Limitations exist only in contact with oils and fuels.
NBR (nitrile rubber)
NBR is known for its resistance to oils, greases and fuels. The temperature range is -30 °C to +100 °C. Typical fields of application are hydraulic systems, mechanical engineering and automotive technology.
NBR remains functional even with prolonged contact with lubricants, but is less weather-resistant. It is therefore used primarily in closed systems or where oil and fuel resistance is more important than weather stability.
Silicone
Silicone sheets are characterised by exceptionally high temperature resistance. They remain elastic even at -60 °C and withstand temperatures up to +230 °C, briefly up to +250 °C. Silicone is used in the food industry, medical technology and in high-temperature areas such as baking ovens, laboratory equipment or engine seals.
In addition to heat resistance, it also offers very good cold flexibility. Limitations exist in mechanical load capacity, as silicone is less abrasion-resistant.
Viton / FKM (fluoro rubber)
Viton is a high-performance elastomer with excellent chemical and thermal resistance. The temperature range extends from about -20 °C to +200 °C, in extreme cases up to +250 °C. Viton is used in the chemical industry, aviation and the oil and gas sector.
It withstands aggressive chemicals, high temperatures and long load cycles. The purchase costs are high, but its durability and safety make it indispensable in critical applications.
Comparison table of temperature ranges
| Rubber type | Temperature range | Special properties | Cost level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural rubber (NR) | -40 °C to +80 °C | very elastic, not weather-resistant | low |
| SBR | -30 °C to +100 °C | low-cost, abrasion-resistant | low |
| EPDM | -40 °C to +120 °C | UV- and weather-resistant | medium |
| NBR | -30 °C to +100 °C | oil- and fuel-resistant | medium |
| Silicone | -60 °C to +230 °C | extremely temperature-resistant, flexible | high |
| Viton (FKM) | -20 °C to +200 °C | chemical-resistant, durable | very high |
Typical fields of application
- EPDM rubber sheets: roof waterproofing, seals in outdoor areas, cooling systems, heating systems.
- NBR rubber sheets: mechanical engineering, automotive industry, hydraulic and pneumatic systems with oil and petrol contact.
- Silicone sheets: food industry, medical technology, high-temperature seals, baking ovens.
- Viton sheets: chemical industry, aviation, oil and gas industry, extreme temperature and chemical exposure.
- Natural rubber and SBR: conveyor belts, floor coverings, shock absorption in mechanical systems.
Influence of temperature on material properties
Thermal exposure has a direct effect on the properties of rubber sheets. When overheated, rubber hardens, loses elasticity and can crack or decompose.
It is particularly critical that the sealing effect decreases when the material becomes brittle. When undercooled, brittleness increases, which means that rubber can suddenly break under load. These changes are checked in ageing tests in accordance with standards such as DIN 53508, in which the material is exposed to extreme temperatures over a prolonged period.
Repeated temperature changes (alternating loads) can also weaken the material structure. The right choice of material contributes decisively to service life, functionality and safety.
Processing and cutting of temperature-resistant rubber sheets
The processing of rubber sheets depends heavily on hardness, material type and sheet thickness. Standard methods such as cutting, punching or waterjet cutting are suitable for many materials. Precise cut pieces are particularly easy to produce with silicone and EPDM.
Harder and highly filled materials such as Viton or thick sheets, on the other hand, require high-performance machines and special tools. Modern methods such as laser cutting are also used with certain types of rubber when high precision is required. It is also important that thermal expansion is taken into account during installation and that the sheets lie free of stress.
Incorrect processing can lead to cracks or premature ageing, even if the material itself is temperature-resistant. Bonding or vulcanising cut pieces also requires know-how, as not every adhesive is suitable for high or low temperatures.
Additional aspects: ageing and storage
In addition to pure temperature resistance, storage also plays a role. Rubber can age more quickly due to incorrect conditions such as direct sunlight, high humidity or contact with ozone. For temperature-resistant rubber sheets, cool, dry and light-protected storage is recommended. This preserves the quality for longer, and the sheets can still be used reliably even after a longer period.
In conclusion
Temperature resistance is a central criterion when selecting rubber sheets. While silicone and Viton are suitable for extreme conditions, EPDM and NBR offer a good balance between cost and performance.
Natural rubber and SBR, on the other hand, are a good choice for standard applications with moderate temperatures. It is essential to analyse the field of application precisely, to take standards and tests into account and to select the sheets in accordance with the thermal, chemical and mechanical requirements.
Anyone who wants to work safely and efficiently in the long term should rely on high-quality materials and also pay attention to storage and installation conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Which rubber sheet is suitable for temperatures down to -40 °C? EPDM and natural rubber remain elastic down to -40 °C and are therefore well suited.
Which rubber sheets withstand temperatures above +200 °C? Silicone and Viton (FKM) are designed for very high temperatures up to +230/250 °C.
Are all temperature-resistant rubber sheets also chemical-resistant? No, chemical resistance depends on the material. Viton is particularly suitable here, while EPDM, for example, is not oil-resistant.
Which rubber sheet for hot water and steam? EPDM and silicone show good resistance to hot water and steam.
Can temperature-resistant rubber sheets be cut to size individually? Yes, they can be ordered as roll goods or as a cut piece and adapted to size.
How do I recognise that a rubber sheet has reached its temperature limit? Signs are discolouration, cracks, brittle surfaces or a loss of elasticity. Such changes indicate that the sheet has been used outside its optimum temperature range.
Do heat-resistant and cold-resistant rubber sheets differ? Yes, some materials are designed more for high temperatures (e.g. silicone, Viton), while others show their strengths at low temperatures (e.g. EPDM, natural rubber).
Our rubber sheets
For industry and trade we offer a wide variety of rubber sheets.
SBR rubber sheet
Our high-quality SBR rubber sheet (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the solution for numerous industrial and commercial applications. This rubber sheet is manufactured from first-class styrene-butadiene rubber and stands out for its outstanding physical properties.
EPDM rubber sheet
Discover the versatility and reliability of our EPDM rubber sheet, which is manufactured from ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM). This high-quality elastomer solution has been specially developed to meet the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.
NBR rubber sheet
The NBR rubber sheet is a high-quality industrial product that has been specially developed for applications requiring excellent resistance to oils, greases and various chemicals.
Viton rubber sheet
The Viton rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is used for a wide range of industrial applications. Manufactured from fluoro rubber (FKM), it offers outstanding properties that make it the ideal choice for extreme conditions.
FKM rubber sheet
The FKM rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is ideal for use in demanding industrial applications. Made from fluoro rubber (FKM), it stands out for a wide range of outstanding properties that make it the optimum choice for extreme operating conditions.
Silicone rubber sheet
The silicone rubber sheet is a first-class technical product that has been specially developed for applications placing high demands on temperature resistance and flexibility.
PUR rubber sheet
The PUR rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality polyurethane, is a technically advanced product that has been developed for applications placing the highest demands on abrasion resistance and mechanical load capacity.
Neoprene rubber sheet
The neoprene rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality chloroprene rubber (CR), is a versatile technical product that is ideal for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
