Today, synthetic oils see frequent use in a diverse range of sectors where precision machinery is a crucial component including manufacturing and engineering.
However, many mechanical systems made from metal and plastic still employ reliable rubber parts like gaskets seals and O-rings. While highly elastic and durable, rubber has certain vulnerabilities. For instance, it has poor thermal resistance, can degrade when exposed to oxygen and UV light and lacks chemical resistance to fuels and oils. Consequently, it is critical that synthetic oil deployed as lubricant is completely compatible with rubber.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into what synthetic oil is and its impact on rubber. Read on to update your knowledge to ensure you select the right type of lubricant for your equipment to maintain its performance, efficiency and longevity.
What are synthetic oils?
Synthetic oil is a lubricant that has been chemically engineered in a lab. In many cases, it is highly refined and improved using a specialised additive package, so it suits specific operating parameters. In compassion to standard mineral oil, synthetic solutions provide several advantages.
Resistant to evaporation and oxidation, synthetic oils have enhanced chemical stability that helps the lubricants and the machines they serve maintain performance levels. They also offer prolonged active service life, as they can retain their fluidity even when working under extreme conditions. For example, they have advanced tolerance to high temperatures, work rates and loads.
Applications of synthetic oils
Versatile and dependable, the key characteristics that synthetic oil is formulated with make it a sought-after solution for many different industry applications. It is employed to offer improved fuel efficiency and reduce wear in automotive engines, while the superior performance levels it provides make it a match for intensive industrial systems where dependability is vital, like defence and aerospace.
In automated manufacturing, it lubricates precision equipment that needs the highest levels of accuracy, like computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
Can synthetic oils damage rubber?
While synthetic oils can impact rubber seals, many modern synthetics are specifically formulated so they are compatible with commonly used engine seals and other rubber components.
Synthetic lubricants are being engineered now that reduce rubber degradation for use in specialised sectors like medical and aerospace, but are also imbued with properties that extend their service lifespan and minimise waste to promote more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
How synthetic oil interacts with rubber
Generally, synthetic oil has a protective or benign interaction with modern materials made from rubber. There are a wide range of lubricants that are specifically suitable for use in systems where rubber parts are present.
Chemically inert, silicone-based lubricants are usually safe for use across most types of rubber and can lubricate gaskets, O-rings and seals. Teflon lubricants are also highly inert, making them a flexible solution, and are especially suited to systems where chemical stability and cleanliness are core concerns.
Grease made with lithium soap is also formulated for rubber safe lubrication and protects machinery working at moderate loads and speeds in a wide array of industrial operations.
Not all synthetic oils are an option for machines using rubber elements. Petroleum-based products can degrade certain rubbers, and oils that include harsher additives are also an issue.
Additives, along with base oils in synthetic oils, must be compatible with rubber for safe use. For example, synthetics can contain corrosion inhibitors, detergents and anti-wear agents that cause chemical reactions in rubber, causing hardening, swelling and cracking and damaging its structural integrity and effectiveness.
To avoid incompatibility issues, machine operators should order lubricants labelled “rubber safe” and carry out small-scale testing before oils are implemented.
Choice of oil type matters critically, but options are available that work with different kinds of rubber. For instance, mineral oil is cost-effective and compatible with rubbers commonly used like EPDM and NBR, and silicone oil is mainly non-reactive with most types of rubber. Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based synthetic oils are highly compatible with oil-resistant rubbers like HNBR and FKM, while vegetable-based oils are an eco-friendly rubber safe option.
How to prevent oil damage to rubber components
Along with small scale testing and choosing rubber-safe solutions, machine operators should perform proactive maintenance on rubber parts like O-rings, gaskets and seals to assess conditions. Any damage discovered should result in immediate replacement.
Do you need rubber safe synthetic oils for your equipment?
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