Views: 1 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-14 Origin: Site
In the design of industrial parts, seals or everyday products, the choice of materials is crucial. Different working environments have different requirements for materials' heat resistance, oil resistance, weather resistance and mechanical strength. Two common materials, high-temperature resistant silicone and oil-resistant rubber (NBR / hydrogenated NBR / FKM), are often compared. The full analysis is provided below:
1. Characteristics of high temperature resistant silicone
Heat resistance range: -60°C ~ +230°C, special formula can reach +300°C
Weather resistance: excellent, resistant to ultraviolet rays, ozone, not easy to age
Water resistance: excellent, not easy to deteriorate when exposed to water or steam for a long time
Oil resistance: average, poor resistance to mineral oil and fuel oil
Odor and safety: can be made into food grade, medical grade, non-toxic and odorless
Elastic stability: Retains elasticity at high temperatures and is not easy to harden or crack.
Application areas
Food equipment: pacifier head, silicone straw, sealing ring
Medical products: breathing tubes, medical seals
High temperature environment: oven gaskets, electrical insulation parts, sealing strips
2. Characteristics of oil-resistant rubber (NBR / HNBR / FKM)
Heat resistance range:
oNBR: -20°C ~ +120°C
oHNBR：-40°C ~ +150°C
oFKM (fluorine rubber): -20°C ~ +200°C
Oil resistance: excellent, especially to petroleum, fuel oil, hydraulic oil
Wear resistance: excellent, able to withstand friction and mechanical stress
Weather resistance: medium, NBR is easily affected by ozone and ultraviolet rays and needs protection
Cost: NBR has low cost, HNBR and FKM have high cost
Application areas
Mechanical equipment: oil seals, O-rings, hydraulic system seals
Automotive industry: fuel pipes, engine gaskets, shock absorber bushings
Industrial applications: Gaskets and seals in lubricating oil environments
3. Material comparison list
Performance Project | High temperature resistant silicone | Oil-resistant rubber (NBR/HNBR/FKM) |
High temperature resistance | ★★★★★ (-60 ~ +230°C) | ★★★ (NBR up to 120°C) ★★★★ (HNBR 150°C) ★★★★☆ (FKM 200°C) |
Low temperature resistance | ★★★★☆ (-60°C) | ★★★ (NBR -20°C, HNBR up to -40°C) |
Oil resistance | ★★ | ★★★★★ (Excellent for fuels and oils) |
Weather resistance/anti-aging | ★★★★★ | ★★ (Additive protection is required, FKM is better) |
Safety (food/medical) | ★★★★★ | ★★ (mostly used in industrial environments) |
cost | medium | Low (NBR), Medium (HNBR), High (FKM) |
Common applications | Food grade, medical, electronic protection, high temperature environment | Mechanical oil seals, automotive parts, hydraulic systems |
4. Material Selection Guide
If the application environment is high temperature/food/medical/outdoor long-term use → high temperature resistant silicone
If the application environment involves oil/fuel/lubricating oil/mechanical friction → Oil-resistant rubber (NBR/HNBR/FKM)
If you need to take into account both high temperature resistance and oil resistance → it is recommended to use fluorine rubber (FKM), but the cost is higher
5. Our professional services
According to customer needs, various material options such as silicone/NBR/HNBR/FKM are provided.
Material property sheets (TDS) and test reports (FDA, RoHS, REACH) can be provided
Provide OEM/ODM design and proofing to help you find the most suitable solution
in conclusion
Food grade, medical grade, high temperature resistant applications → Silicone
Oil resistance, wear resistance, fuel system, mechanical applications → Oil-resistant rubber
Extreme requirements (high temperature resistance + oil resistance) → FKM fluorine rubber
