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Rubber plugs and rubber stoppers are versatile sealing components used across industries to ensure leak-proof containment and environmental isolation. Manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber compounds, these products offer superior sealing capabilities, chemical resistance, and adaptability to diverse operational conditions.
The performance of rubber plugs and stoppers is fundamentally determined by their material composition. Below are key materials and their distinctive properties:
Primary Use: Pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices.
Key Features:
Low gas permeability (≤0.01 cm³·mm/m²·day·kPa), making it ideal for preserving sensitive liquids like vaccines.
High chemical stability against acids, alkalis, and solvents.
Enhanced with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings for biocompatibility and improved sealing.
Primary Use: Industrial machinery, automotive fuel systems, and medical-grade applications.
Key Features:
Excellent oil resistance (ASTM D471 compliant) and resistance to hydraulic fluids.
Durable in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 120°C.
Commonly used in engine mounts and brake hoses due to its vibration damping properties.
Primary Use: Construction seals, automotive cooling systems, and outdoor equipment.
Key Features:
Outstanding weather resistance (ISO 1431-1 certified) and UV stability.
High elasticity and flexibility, suitable for dynamic sealing in expansion joints and window gaskets.
Primary Use: Chemical processing, aerospace, and high-temperature environments.
Key Features:
Resistance to strong acids, bases, and hydrocarbons (e.g., sulfuric acid, gasoline).
Operates efficiently in extreme temperatures (-20°C to 250°C), meeting AS568 standards.
Primary Use: Medical devices, food processing, and high-temperature applications.
Key Features:
Biocompatibility (FDA-approved) and non-toxicity, suitable for direct contact with pharmaceuticals.
Retains flexibility at -60°C to 200°C, making it ideal for oven gaskets and electrical insulators.
Rubber plugs and stoppers are engineered to address specific operational challenges. Below are their key applications:
Vial Sealing: Butyl rubber stoppers with PDMS coatings ensure hermetic seals for injectables, meeting USP 38 standards.
Surgical Equipment: Silicone plugs in catheters and syringes offer low friction and chemical inertness.
Hydraulic Systems: FKM plugs resist high-pressure fluids (up to 300 bar) in hydraulic pumps and valves.
Automotive Seals: NBR stoppers in fuel caps and transmission systems prevent leaks and chemical degradation.
Reactor Seals: EPDM and FKM plugs withstand corrosive media (e.g., chlorine, ammonia) in chemical reactors.
Pipeline Closures: Custom-shaped plugs (e.g., conical or threaded designs) ensure leak-free isolation during maintenance.
Beverage Packaging: Natural rubber stoppers with FDA compliance seal wine bottles and food containers.
Electronics: Silicone plugs protect circuit boards from moisture and dust in smartphones and appliances.
Shape Variations: Cylindrical, conical, and flanged designs accommodate irregular openings.
Custom Features: Perforated plugs with pre-drilled holes allow tubing insertion for gas sampling or liquid transfer.
Temperature Range: Most rubbers perform optimally between -40°C and 150°C, with FKM exceeding this limit.
Chemical Compatibility: Material selection must align with the specific media (e.g., oil, solvents, or water).
Regulatory Certifications: Products often meet ISO 9001, REACH, and RoHS requirements for global markets.
Food Contact Compliance: Silicone and EPDM variants are FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 approved for food processing.
Superior Sealing: Elastic deformation ensures airtight and watertight seals even under pressure.
Cost-Effective: Synthetic rubbers like NBR and EPDM offer longevity at competitive prices.
Corrosion Resistance: Materials like FKM and EPDM resist chemical degradation in harsh environments.
Temperature Sensitivity: Butyl rubber may harden below 0°C, reducing flexibility.
Solvent Swelling: NBR and natural rubber may degrade when exposed to aromatic hydrocarbons.
Aging Effects: Prolonged UV exposure can cause surface cracking in unprotected EPDM.
Answer: Consider factors like temperature, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress. For example, FKM suits high-temperature chemical environments, while silicone is ideal for medical use.
Answer: Yes. Manufacturers offer custom shapes, colors, and certifications (e.g., FDA, REACH) to meet specific requirements.
Answer: Lifespan varies by material and application. Well-maintained EPDM plugs can last 10+ years in outdoor environments.