Rubber is a common material used in mechanical construction. From aeroplanes and cars to dishwashers and refrigerators, rubber parts are included in a multitude of different shapes. Whether they take the form of a washer or are used to create a seal, each rubber component plays a key part.
A unique material, it is strong yet elastic. Incredibly lightweight, it can protect and insulate, while being resistant to abrasion. It can stretch and compress as necessary and remains waterproof, whatever thickness it has. Rubber has become valuable to many industries and is today used in an unlimited number of specialist applications, including sound and vibration dampening, chemical transportation, and thermal and electrical insulation, among many others.
It is well-known that mechanical equipment requires lubrication to run efficiently. Lubricants like oil and grease stop a machine’s metal parts from rubbing against each other and causing harm. They also help filter out dirt and debris that can clog up operations. Finally, lubricants also cool down moving parts, ensuring they don’t become overheated and become damaged.
However, just because a lubricant is suitable for metal parts, that does not mean it is suitable for use where rubber components are present. While rubber is strong and flexible, it is by no means indestructible. Read on as we take a closer look at lubrication that is safe for rubber.
Expertly engineered lubrication
Common choices include soap and water, gasoline, alcohol, motor oil and petroleum jelly. While all these products provide lubrication, they can also introduce potential risks to health and safety and inflict damage on rubber parts.
To protect equipment integrity and ensure safety standards for workers and the environment, engineers became an important part of selecting lubricants. Ergonomic engineers, lubricant engineers and design engineers all play an important role in picking the correct lubricant for a specific process or application.
The ideal lubricant for rubber parts
By far the most suitable lubrication solution for rubber is a carefully formulated emulsion of oil and water emulsion. This is because it can overpower rubber’s low surface energy. Effectively, this means that emulsion-style lubricant can completely coat the surface of rubber without any beading. The oil part of the emulsion has a natural affinity to rubber surfaces, while the water part is exposed to environment conditions, which facilitates evaporation.
Just a thin layer of the oil makes contact with the rubber, but it is an ample amount for the part it plays. The thin coating makes sure no residue develops and no compatibility issues arise, while temporary lubrication and a safer working environment are achieved.
Water-based lubricants can be created with different properties. This makes them ideal for a wide range of different applications. Lubricant properties like viscosity, surface residue, biodegradability, dry time and compatibility are all considered. This allows engineers to select a lubricant tailored precisely to meet specific needs. Using a water-based lubricant is the best option for increased service life of rubber components and to avoid unwanted maintenance and operational downtime.
Other safe lubricants for rubber
To maintain different rubber components that see use in various equipment types and applications, a wide range of lubricants are also manufactured from leading brands like Morris, Millers, Fuchs and Q8, among others.
Silicone grease
For general purpose rubber lubrication, silicone grease is considered a great solution. It is designed to be compatible with most parts made with natural rubber, and is typically safe to use with gaskets, brake callipers, O-ring seals and other parts.
Silicone grease comes in a diverse array of formats including aerosol sprays, tube pastes, cartridges that work with specific dispensing tools and small syringes for more precise applications.
Silicone spray
A multi-purpose solution designed for ease-of-use, silicone spray is ideal for sealing rubber surfaces and is engineered to provide long-term protection. As well as rubber, it can lubricate and protect plastic and metal parts and offers an even coverage.
Ester-based lubricants
A biodegradable solution, ester lubricants are synthetic solutions with good solvency and thermal stability. They are also safe for use with natural rubber components.
Biodegradable lubricants
An extensive array of biodegradable lubricants is available that use mineral oil. Designed to reduce negative impacts on the environment, these lubricants don’t harm rubber and offer an outstanding alternative to lubricants that have a petroleum base.
Lubricants to avoid with rubber components
Not all lubricants are appropriate to apply on rubber components like gaskets and seals. Many products are petroleum-based and can cause rubber to change shape and swell or become damaged over time. To ensure that rubber parts can continue to perform their role properly, these products are best avoided as lubricants.
Special considerations when lubricating rubber
It’s worth noting that not all rubber is manufactured with natural materials, and this can impact your lubricant selection. Silicone rubber, for example, is not compatible with silicone grease, as their chemical compositions are exceptionally similar. If applied in error, it can cause silicone rubber to swell and negate its role as a seal, causing equipment performance issues. If your equipment features silicone rubber parts, always assess lubricant compatibility or choose a specialised product.
