Elastomer Characteristics

Latex and Natural Rubber

Provides excellent electrical, impact, abrasion, and tear resistance.  Typical properties are 38 Durometer shore "A", 800% elongation, 4000 psi tensile strength.

Neoprene

This rubber provides excellent abrasion and oxidation resistance, and good oil, electrical, flame, impact, tear, and weather resistance.  Typical properties are 50 Durometer shore "A", 4-500% elongation, 2600 psi tensile strength.

Silicone

Provides excellent weather, oxidation, and ozone resistance; also provides good electrical resistance.

Polyurethane

This lightweight, smooth-finish material has the unique ability to be softer than a rubber band, or harder than a table top.  It resists abrasion, breakage on impact, tearing, water, oxidation, ozone, and many solvents.  Compared to other elastomers, polyurethane has better cut, tear, and abrasion resistance.  Compared to plastics, it is non-brittle, and has the unique ability to return to its original shape.  It is extremely stable when exposed to temperature changes, but it is not recommended for prolonged contact with steam.  Typical properties of polyurethane:

Durometer Shore A	Trexler Color	Tensile, psi ASTM 412-66	Elongation ASTM 412-66	Tear split-pl Die-B D-470	Tear Die-C 412-66	Tear Die-B	Shrinkage linear
25	red	2700	500	40			1.5%
50	yellow	4000	500	40	200		1.5%
65	blue	1250	320	40	130	40	0.0040
80	red	2600	300	40		40	0.0050