Acrylic rubber constitutes an alkyl acrylate copolymer (ACM) by the chemical term. Therefore, the material falls in the specialty rubbers category. In addition, this rubber type has a high resistance to oxidation and heat. High resistance to oxidation means that the rubber isn’t highly reactive in chemical processes.
You can manufacture acrylic rubber using polymerization. However, the characteristics of acrylic rubbers depend on the type of monomers and co-monomers used in the production process. As a result, acrylic rubbers serve many functions dependent on these properties.
Anytime you choose rubber to buy, you will have to consider its unique features. This consideration will enable you to get a durable product and one that will serve the intended purposes.
Characteristics of Acrylic Rubbers
Acrylic rubbers have moderate resistance to fuel oils and mineral oils. Besides, these types of rubber have excellent resistance to weather, ozone, and hot gasses and can survive for a long lifespan when exposed to natural weather conditions.
Besides, Acrylic rubber has medium strength and a low elasticity property. The reliable thermal working temperature for the material ranges between 14°F to 302°F, with an intermittent upper limit of up to 356°F. The material performs poorly in low temperatures. It also has medium fuel resistance, and the average resilience to rebound makes it a proper component of sound and noise absorption applications.
Applications of Acrylic Rubber
Due to these properties, you can use acrylic rubber for several functions. For example, you can use the material in laundry machines, roll mills, military tools, aviation machines, and compressors. Read below for ways that you can use acrylic rubber in different industries.
1. Automotive Transmissions
You can use ACM in O-rings, shaft seal rings, covers, oil sump gaskets, and transmission seals because the material has high resistance to fuels such as transmission oil and engine oil. As a result, these oils can’t cause as much damage to the seals or the hoses.
The automotive industry involves machines that are exposed to excessive heat and shock. Consequently, those machines require constant oil lubrication. Acrylic rubber offers more efficiency because its seals provide oil and heat resistance.
The automotive sector also has a demand for energy-efficient parts. Acrylic rubber has qualities that suit this function because of its poor conductivity. Therefore, the material prevents thermal loss and reduces energy consumption in the automotive industry.
2. Dentistry and Biomedical Applications
Acrylic rubber makes an excellent biomaterial used in ophthalmology. Besides, you can use the material to manufacture gloves required for medical use. You can safely use the gloves for hospital care since acrylic rubber isn’t highly reactive.
You can also use acrylic resins as bases of dentures, and you can shape and color them to resemble the replaced tooth. The addition of acrylic rubbers and fillers to the resins helps change physical properties to fit the desired denture style.
3. Vibration Damping
Acrylic rubber also works well as a damping material. The material offers significant resilience to rebound; hence, it absorbs the sound particle vibrations and converts them to other forms of energy. You can apply this feature in auditoriums, concert halls, and cinema halls, where you must consider acoustics.
You can also use the material as you manufacture vibration mounts. Acrylic rubber acts as a good shock absorber. In the end, the material will reduce damage to heavy machinery and make the workspace safe from accidents.
If you are interested in selling acrylic rubber parts to these or other markets, or require a custom acrylic rubber component for your field, make sure to choose a reliable manufacturer. You can contact Accurate Products for any rubber product supply.