Natural rubber (NR) remains one of the most versatile and widely used elastomers in manufacturing. Derived from the latex of rubber trees, natural rubber compounds offer an exceptional combination of elasticity, tensile strength, and tear resistance that synthetic alternatives often struggle to match.
For applications demanding superior mechanical performance and flexibility, natural rubber formulation continues to be the material of choice across automotive, industrial, and consumer goods sectors.
Performance Characteristics
Natural rubber compounds are valued for their outstanding physical properties. With excellent tensile strength often exceeding 3,000 psi and elongation capabilities up to 800%, NR outperforms many synthetic rubbers in dynamic applications. It demonstrates superior resilience and low heat buildup, making it ideal for products subject to repeated flexing and compression.
Natural rubber performs well in a temperature range of -60°F to 180°F, maintaining flexibility across a broad spectrum of conditions. It offers good resistance to water, alcohols, and certain acids and bases. However, natural rubber has limited resistance to oils, fuels, ozone, and UV exposure—factors that must be considered during material selection or addressed through protective rubber compounding.
Natural Rubber Formulation Expertise
At Alttran, we develop custom natural rubber compounds tailored to your specific performance requirements. Our formulation team works closely with clients to optimize compound properties including hardness, modulus, compression set, and cure characteristics. We adjust polymer grade, filler systems, antioxidant packages, and vulcanization chemistry to deliver compounds that meet exact application demands—whether for molded goods, gaskets, seals, or vibration isolation components.
Our expertise includes blending natural rubber with synthetic polymers when applications require enhanced oil resistance, ozone protection, or extended service life under challenging conditions.
Natural Rubber Testing & Quality Control
Rigorous natural rubber testing is central to our quality process. Our in-house laboratory capabilities include tensile and tear strength analysis, compression set testing, abrasion resistance evaluation, and accelerated aging studies. We verify that every formulation meets specified performance standards and maintain batch-to-batch consistency.
Whether you need to meet industry specifications like ASTM D2000 or match an existing compound, our comprehensive testing protocols ensure reliable, predictable performance in your final application.
Applications of Natural Rubber Compounds
- Tires and automotive suspension components
- Industrial belts, hoses, and seals
- Vibration isolation mounts and pads
- Gaskets, O-rings, and molded rubber goods
- Consumer products including footwear and sporting goods
