Rubber mats are a popular choice for homes, businesses, workplaces and industrial environments, as they’re durable, flexible and resistant to everyday wear and tear.
However, not all rubber mats are made from the same material. There are several different types of rubber, each with its own characteristics, benefits and ideal applications.
Understanding the differences between the types of rubber used in matting can help you to choose the right product for your requirements. Factors such as exposure to oils and chemicals, temperature, weather conditions, foot traffic and the environment in which the mat will be used can all influence which type of rubber is suitable.
What is Rubber?
Rubber is a flexible material that can be produced from natural or synthetic sources. It is widely used to manufacture products that need to withstand repeated movement, pressure and impact. This makes it particularly well suited to flooring and matting.
Natural rubber is made from latex, a milky substance harvested from trees. Synthetic rubbers, meanwhile, are manufactured using chemical processes and can be designed to provide specific properties, such as resistant to oils, chemicals, OV light or extreme tempertures.
The exact properties of a rubber mat will depend on the type of rubber used in its construction. So, choosing the right material is important, especially when a mat will be used in a demanding environment.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is one of the most widely recognised types of rubber. It is produced from latex harvested from rubber trees and is known for its elasticity and flexibility.
One of the main advantages of natural rubber is its ability to absorb impact and provide cushioning. It is also highly resistant to abrasion and can withstand repeated flexing without easily cracking or breaking. This makes natural rubber a practical choice for many general-purpose matting applications.
Natural rubber mats can be suitable for areas where durability, comfort and slip resistance are important. They may be used in workplaces, workshops, gyms and other environments where people are regularly standing or walking.
However, natural rubber is not always the best choice for areas where the mat will be exposed to oils, certain chemicals or prolonged outdoor weathering. In these circumstances, a synthetic rubber may offer better resistance.
EPDM Rubber
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is a synthetic rubber that has strong resistance to outdoor conditions.
One of the key benefits of EPDM is its resistance to UV radiation and weathering. This means it can perform well when exposed to sunlight, rain and changing temperatures over extended periods. For this reason, EPDM is a common choice as a rubber material for outdoor applications.
EPDM also has good heat resistance and remains flexible in hot and cold temperatures. These properties make it a versatile material for demanding environments where general-purpose rubber may deteriorate more quickly.
EPDM rubber mats can therefore be a suitable choice for outdoor walkways, entrances and other areas that are exposed to elements. They may also be used in industrial settings where resistance to weather and temperature changes are important.
However, EPDM generally has poor resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels. If a rubber mat is likely to come into regular contact with these substances, another type of rubber would be more appropriate.
Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber, also known as NBR, is a synthetic rubber that is very resistant to oils and fuels. It’s a popular material in industrial and commercial environments where spills and contact with petroleum-based substances are common.
Nitrile rubber has good resistance to abrasion and provides a durable surface capable of withstanding demanding use. It’s also resistant to many types of oil and grease, making nitrile mats a practical option for workshops, garages and factories.
For example, a nitrile rubber mat can be useful in an environment where machinery is regularly maintained, and there is a risk of oil or fuel being spilt onto the floor. Using a suitable oil-resistant material can extend the working life of the mat.
Nitrile does have some limitations, as it is generally less resistant to outdoor weathering and UV exposure than EPDM. As a result, it is better suited to indoor environments where prolonged exposure to sunlight and weather is not expected.
Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene, also known as polychloroprene, is another synthetic rubber that is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. It is flexible, durable, and resistant to environmental conditions.
Neoprene is very resistant to oils and many chemicals, as well as weathering, ozone and UV exposure. It’s a versatile material for applications where a mat needs to cope with a range of environmental factors.
Neoprene rubber mats are suitable for industrial environments, workshops and areas where resistance to oils and weathering is important. Different formulations offer different levels of resistant, so you should check the specifications before choosing a mat for a demanding application.
SBR Rubber
SBR, or styrene-butadiene rubber, is one of the most widely produced synthetic rubbers. It was developed as an alternative to natural rubber and is valued for its durability, abrasion resistance and cost-effectiveness.
SBR is resistant to wear, making it suitable for regular foot traffic or mechanical use. One of the main benefits of SBR is its balance between performance and affordability. It can be a practical option when a durable rubber mat is required without the additional properties offered by more specialised synthetic rubbers.
However, SBR is not as resistant to oils, fuels, ozone and weathering as some other rubber compounds. Therefore, it may be better suited to general indoor applications rather than environments where it will be exposed to harsh chemicals or outdoor conditions.
Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is known for its excellent resistance to high and low temperatures. It can remain flexible across a wide temperature range, making it useful in environments where other rubber compounds may become brittle or lose their performance.
Silicone also offers good resistance to UV light, ozone and weathering. It is less suitable for applications involving heavy abrasion or exposure to certain oils and solvents, so its use in rubber matting tends to be more specialised.
Where temperature resistance is a priority, silicone can be a useful material to consider. As with any rubber mat, it is important to check the product specifications to ensure the material is suitable for the intended environment.
How do you choose between different types of rubber?
With so many types of rubber available, it can be difficult to know which material is right for your needs. The best option will depend on where and how the mat will be used. Consider the following factors when choosing rubber matting:
- Indoor or outdoor use: If your mat will be used outdoor, resistance to UV light, ozone and changing weather conditions may be important. EPDM, for example, is well suited to many outdoor applications due to its weather resistance.
- Exposure to oils and fuels: For workshops, garages and industrial environments, consider whether the mat could come into contact with oil, grease or fuel. Nitrile rubber is well known for its resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels.
- Temperature: Think about the temperatures the mat will be exposed to. Some rubber compounds perform better in high-temperature environments, while other are better suited to cold conditions.
- Foot traffic and abrasion: In busy workplaces, a rubber mat may need to withstand constant foot traffic and repeated wear. Durability and abrasion resistance should therefore be considered when comparing different types of rubber.
- Chemicals: If the may will be used in an industrial environment, check its resistance to the specific chemicals it may encounter. No single type of rubber is resistant to every chemical, so it is important to choose a material that is appropriate for the substances involved.
Which type of rubber is best for rubber mats?
There is no single answer to which type of rubber is best. The most suitable material will depend on the intended application and the conditions in which the mat will be used.
Natural rubber can provide excellent flexibility, elasticity and impact absorption, making it a good general-purpose option. EPDM is particularly useful for outdoor environments where weather and UV resistance are important. Nitrile is a strong choice for areas where oil and fuel resistance is required, while neoprene offers a useful balance of durability and resistance to oils, chemicals and weathering.
SBR can provide a cost-effective solution for general-purpose applications, while silicone may be considered where resistance to extreme temperatures is particularly important.
Ultimately, choosing the right rubber mat means considering the environment, level of use and potential exposure to certain substances.
Find the right rubber mat for your needs
The different types of rubber used in matting each offer their own advantages. Understanding these differences can make it easier to select suitable rubber matting for you home, workplace or industrial environment.
We have a wide range of rubber matting options designed for different applications and environments. Whether you need durable flooring for a busy workplace, comfortable matting for a standing areas or a specialist for an industrial setting, choosing the right material can help ensure your rubber mat delivers reliable performance for longer.
If you’re unsure about which type of matting is going to work best for you, please reach out to our team for additional guidance.
