Rubber chemical resistance chart
The first question for any rubber part is what it will touch. This chart compares the main rubber families against common media. It is a general guide: compounds vary, and concentration, temperature and time all matter.
| Medium | Natural rubber (NR) | SBR | Nitrile (NBR) | EPDM | Neoprene (CR) | FKM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral oils, greases | Not suitable | Not suitable | Excellent | Not suitable | Good | Excellent |
| Petrol, diesel | Not suitable | Not suitable | Good | Not suitable | Fair | Excellent |
| Water, hot water | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Steam | Not suitable | Not suitable | Fair | Excellent | Fair | Fair |
| Weather, ozone, UV | Not suitable | Not suitable | Fair | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Dilute acids | Fair | Fair | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Alkalis (bases) | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Alcohols | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Ketones (acetone) | Fair | Fair | Not suitable | Excellent | Not suitable | Not suitable |
| Aromatic solvents (toluene) | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable | Excellent |
| Abrasion | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
| Tear and elasticity | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
| Typical temperature range | -50 / +80 °C | -40 / +100 °C | -30 / +100 °C | -40 / +130 °C | -30 / +100 °C | -20 / +200 °C |
Typical values for standard compounds. Specific grades (peroxide-cured EPDM, special FKM…) can go further: check the reference or ask us.
How to read it
Excellent: the usual choice for that medium. Good: suitable in most cases. Fair: short or occasional contact only. Not suitable: swells, hardens or degrades.
For a specific chemical, a high temperature or a critical application, tell us the exact conditions in a quote request and we will advise.
The short version
Oil or fuel: NBR, or FKM when it is hot or aggressive. Water, steam, outdoors: EPDM — but never with oil. General use, moderate oils and weather: neoprene (CR). Wear and abrasion: natural rubber and SBR. Chemicals and high temperature: FKM. Food contact: a certified food-grade compound.