Low-temperature resistant -50 rubber formula

Nitrile rubber: The properties of nitrile rubber depend mainly on the content of CAN, which ranges from 18 to 50%. Generally speaking, nitrile rubber possesses good mechanical properties. Its operating temperature range is –30 to +100°C (it can exceed +120°C for a short period of time). Nitrile rubber with an appropriately adjusted formula can operate at low temperatures of -60°C. Nitrile rubber is mainly suitable for mineral oils and lubricants. Nitrile rubber can withstand almost any oily medium, such as hydraulic oil, lubricating oils, gasoline, aliphatic hydrocarbons, acids, and bases. It is widely used due to its excellent physical properties such as wear resistance, friction resistance, and heat resistance. Fluororubber: Fluororubber possesses flame retardancy, extremely low air permeability, as well as excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and aging. Depending on their structure and fluorine content, fluororubbers vary in their chemical resistance and cold flexibility. The operating temperature range of fluororubber is –20 to +200°C (up to +230°C for a short period of time). Fluororubber with appropriately adjusted formulation can operate at low temperatures of -35°C. It exhibits good resistance to mineral oils, fats and aromatics, strong acids, weak acids, as well as weak alkalis; it has a wide operating temperature range. Its superior aging resistance also places FKM’s overall performance above that of other synthetic rubbers. EPDM: EPDM possesses good heat resistance, ozone resistance, and aging resistance. In addition, EPDM also possesses excellent elasticity, good low-temperature performance, and insulating properties. The operating temperature range of EPDM is –45 to +150°C (it can reach +175°C for a short period of time). The operating temperature range of vulcanized EPDM reduces to –45～+120°C (with +150°C achievable for a short period of time). EPDM is commonly used for sealing in applications involving hot water and steam, and it also possesses excellent aging and ozone resistance. EPDM has good resistance to polar media such as ethanol, hot water, and steam. Hydrogenated nitrile rubber: Hydrogenated nitrile rubber is produced by the selective hydrogenation of nitrile rubber materials. The properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber depend on the ACN content (15–50%) and its saturation level. Hydrogenated nitrile rubber has good mechanical properties. When in contact with mineral oils and lubricants, the operating temperature range of hydrogenated nitrile rubber is –30 to +140°C (with the possibility of reaching +160°C for short periods of time). Special types of hydrogenated nitrile rubber can operate at temperatures as low as –40°C. Their seals exhibit excellent resistance in industrial environments with additives present; they minimize leakage of liquids or gases, and possess good low-temperature and wear resistance. Silicone rubber: Silicone rubber boasts excellent heat and cold resistance, insulating properties, as well as particularly good resistance to oxidation and ozone. The operating temperature range of silicone rubber is –60 to +200°C (it can reach +230°C for a short period of time). The operating temperature of special types of silicone rubber can go as low as -90°C. Of course, there are also certain types of silicone rubber with a relatively narrow operating temperature range. Silicone rubber is commonly used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Chloroprene rubber: Generally, chloroprene rubber possesses good ozone resistance, weather resistance, and aging resistance. It also possesses good flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and cold resistance. The operating temperature range for chloroprene is –40 to +100°C (it can reach +120°C for a short period of time). The operating temperature of special types of neoprene rubber can go as low as –55°C. Neoprene rubber is widely used for sealing purposes in applications such as coolants, in outdoor machinery, and in the adhesive industry. Polyacrylate rubber: Polyacrylate rubber possesses excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and hot air ； However, its physical strength is moderate, its elasticity is poor, and its resistance to low temperatures is relatively weak. The operating temperature range of polyacrylate rubber is –20 to +150°C (it can reach +175°C for a short period of time). The operating temperature of special types of acrylate rubber can go as low as –35°C. Polyacrylate rubber is primarily used in the automotive industry, as this industry requires materials that can resist corrosion from lubricants containing various additives, including sulfur, at high temperatures. Polytetrafluoroethylene: Polytetrafluoroethylene exhibits excellent corrosion resistance at moderate temperatures. Only certain chemicals can corrode it at high temperatures. Compared to materials such as rubber and thermoplastic elastomers, polytetrafluoroethylene has reduced elasticity and increased hardness; as a result, a greater installation force is required, which is why open grooves are recommended. Perfluoroelastomers: Similar to polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroelastomers possess extensive chemical resistance as well as good heat resistance. For almost all media, perfluoroelastomers have low thermal expansion properties. Depending on the material, the operating temperature of perfluoroelastomers ranges from –25 to +240°C. Special types of perfluoroelastomers can operate at temperatures as high as +325°C. Perfluororubber is widely used in the chemical industry, as well as in all equipment operating in highly corrosive or high-temperature environments. Polyurethane: Polyurethane seals possess excellent mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, wear resistance, high resilience, and good gas sealing capabilities. It is particularly resistant to fuel oils, ordinary oils, and oils containing aromatic hydrocarbons. Polyurethane materials have good heat resistance, maintain excellent flexibility at low temperatures, exhibit strong antioxidant and ozone resistance, and have a long service life.

The design of rubber formulations – from your question, it seems you don’t yet understand what formula design entails. If it’s simply a matter of addressing the issue of low-temperature resistance, then it’s simple. Just choose a type of rubber that can resist it. But this is called material selection, not design. When it comes to formula design, you need to be clear about the requirements that your formula must meet; therefore, it’s best to list those requirements first before discussing formula design.

EPDM generally works fine at -55°C; for temperatures even lower, below -100°C, silicone can be chosen