High Temp, Fireproof, Flexible Material: Rishon® vs. Rubber

Posted by RCF Technologies on

Rubber

Rubber is an essential material used in several industries.

Rubber has played an important role throughout the development of human civilization and continues to be of great importance today.  The use of rubber is so significant that the global market size of rubber stood at USD 40.77 Billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 51.21 Billion by 2027.  Rishon components have replaced rubber components in the aerospace industry (as well as others), in a variety of applications and for several important reasons.

What is Rishon?

Rishon is a material which was created by RCF Technologies in 1975. It is a combination of a proprietary silicone and fiberglass (in most cases) although other substrates can be used. The elastomer is coated onto the fabric and forced through the weave of the fabric under heat and pressure forming a homogeneous material.

Rishon material can be:
  • Flexible or rigid
  • Has an operating temperature range of -170°F to +850°F
  • Is fireproof (Rishon is an FAA approved Fire Barrier in thicknesses as low as .027”)
  • Is chemically compatible with most fluids (including Skydrol)
  • Is an excellent vulcanizing material
  • Absorbs sound and vibration
  • Insulates against heat and flame
  • Is electrically nonconductive, but can be made electrically conductive with almost no added weight

Rishon is used primarily in the aerospace industry, though has also been used in the automotive, Industrial, Marine and Medical sectors as well. Rishon material is used by RCF Technologies to design and manufacture components such as:

These products are principally used for applications requiring high temperatures or fireproofing and offer longer life and lighter weight than most components made utilizing other materials.

 

Rubber Temperature Table

Elastomer
Low F
High F
Rishon® -170° 850°
Natural Rubber  -67° 180°
Neoprene -50° 275°
Silicone -70° 570°
Nitrile -30° 250°
EPDM -60° 300°
SBR -50° 225°
Butyl -75° 250°
Fluorosilicone -100° 350°

Natural Rubber

Rubber is a material that was originally made from natural sources such as the rubber tree and other plants (including dandelions which produce the latex that natural rubber is made from).

Natural rubber has:
  • Good durability
  • A temperature range of -67°F to +180°F
  • Is elastic
  • Is flexible
  • Is a good electrical insulator
  • Is resistant to many corrosive substances
  • Has resistance to degrading, abrasions, and surface friction

Natural rubber is used in many consumer and industrial items, including tires, gloves, some types of foam rubber, flooring and roofing, balls, and insulation.

 

Neoprene

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber made up of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine polymers and was invented in 1930. It is used in applications that face harsh conditions and a lot of wear, such as automotive and industrial applications.

Neoprene has:
  • A temperature range of -50°F to +275°F
  • Is resistant to oil and solvents
  • Is chemically inert
  • Has high tensile strength
  • Is flexible
  • Is weather and flame resistant

Neoprene can however absorb water over time and does not work well as an electrical insulator.

 

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is:
  • Generally stable
  • Non-reactive to most chemicals
  • Has a temperature range of -70°F to 570°F
  • Is resistant to ultraviolet rays, ozone, and fire.

Silicone rubber is manufactured in many different colors and is very malleable, available as both solid and liquid products.

 

Nitrile Rubber

Nitrile rubber has:
  • A temperature range of -30°F to +250°F
  • Is resistant to oil and water
  • Is quite durable

 

EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber is a synthetic rubber compound and has:
  • A temperature range of -60°F to +300°F
  • Insulates
  • Reduces noise

EPDM rubber however, is not resistant against petroleum-based oils, mineral oils, and some other lubricants.

 

SBR Rubber

SBR rubber has:
  • A temperature range of -50°F to +225°F
  • Is hard and durable
  • Is resistant to some fluids

 

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber, also known as isobutylene isoprene, has:
  • A temperature range of -75°F to +250°F
  • Has low moisture and gas permeability
  • Has good shock absorption

 

Fluorosilicone Rubber

Fluorosilicone rubber, also known as FVMQ, has:
  • A temperature range of -100°F to +350°F
  • Is resistant to transmission fluids, engine oils, fire, synthetic lubricants, and ozone

Both natural and artificial rubbers are used in a variety of applications and across most industries. Each rubber varies regarding elasticity, electrical insulating properties, resistance to impact, water, cold, and abrasion, temperature range and more.

For more information about Rishon Material, and RCF Technologies products, please contact us today!