Best Gasket Material

What is the Best Gasket Material?

Gaskets are manufactured from several materials and each have their own advantages. There are materials that perform well in a variety of situations and some that excel in a single specific environment. Therefore, it is difficult to state that any gasket material is THE best material for manufacturing gaskets.

Instead, here is a rundown of the common gasket materials and their best usage.

Silicone Rubber

Flexible and resistant to high temperatures, Silicone rubber is a popular choice for gasket material. It has good electrical insulating properties and is weather resistant, making it highly suitable for outside applications.

Natural Rubber

A popular choice of gasket material, natural rubber is a good all-rounder for general purpose usage. It is water resistant and can withstand abrasion, tearing and mild chemicals. Should not be used near fuel.

Nitrile

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is suitable for many applications is but particularly effective with silicone greases, oils, water and petroleum oils.

Neoprene Sponge

Chemically inert, Neoprene sponge is highly suitable for industrial purposes, especially where petrols, chemicals and oils are being used. Neoprene sponge gaskets are excellent at repelling dust, water and moisture. It is also able to withstand high levels of compression.

Neoprene Rubber

Due to its excellent resistance to the effects of weather and ozone, Neoprene rubber is used for marine and other outdoor applications. It is also highly suitable for use with vegetable and animal oils, as well as refrigerants.

Cork

A flexible material that is used in oil and fuel pumps due to its oil and solvent resistant properties. Cork is also able to resist high levels of compression and has excellent anti-vibration characteristics.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a strong fibrous material that has a high resistance to chemicals and heat. However, it is also a very harmful substance to work with. Non-asbestos reinforcing fibres are now available that can take the place of an asbestos gasket.

FKM Fluoroelastomer Rubber

FKM fluoroelastomer rubber is a common material for gasket manufacture. It is often used with aggressive chemicals and fuels due to its highly-resilient properties.