Rubber specific weight: properties, use and table
Rubber is an elastic material formed by vulcanizing synthetic and natural rubbers. Rubber is a network elastomer, a product of cross-linking rubbers with chemical bonds.
To obtain rubber by vulcanization, 20 to 60 percent of the base, rubber, is required. The rest of the composition may vary depending on the required properties, operating conditions, production technology and product requirements. It may include vulcanization activators and accelerators, anti-aging agents, vulcanizing agents and softener-plasticizers. The composition may also include reclaimed rubber capable of repeated vulcanization, modifiers, scorch retarders, dyes, flame retardants, blowing agents and aromatic substances.
Rubber specific weight table
Because rubber is a complex material, its exact density is best determined from manufacturer data or laboratory measurements. The average reference range for the specific weight of rubber is from 1 to 2 g/cm3.
To simplify calculations, the table below gives values for weight and specific weight of rubber, as well as these values depending on units of measurement. This table helps calculate rubber weight correctly.
| Material | Specific weight, g/cm3 | Weight of 1 m3, kg |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber | From 1 to 2 | From 1000 to 2000 |
Rubber properties
Rubber differs from other materials by its high elasticity, resilience, ability to undergo large reversible deformations and ability to retain shape under working conditions.
This type of material is soft and not subject to compression. When different additives and different types of rubber are combined, and when they are modified, the result can differ significantly.
Rubber elasticity is 4-5 times lower than that of steel; however, this characteristic is nonlinear and has a relaxation nature: it depends entirely on magnitude, speed, time, temperature, frequency and loading mode. Reversible deformation may range from 500 to 1000 percent.
Rubber hardness depends on the content of plasticizers and fillers, as well as their kinds, types and degree of vulcanization.
Rubber practically does not absorb water, but it can swell in organic solvents. The degree of swelling depends on composition, rubber type, fillers and degree of vulcanization. With properly selected components, increased resistance to oils, gasoline, water, chemicals and temperature fluctuations can be achieved.
Long-term use and storage expose rubber to fatigue and aging, which in turn reduce quality characteristics and lead to destruction.
Rubber is used widely and affects many different areas. The main ones include:
- production of bicycle, motorcycle and automobile tires;
- production of rubber technical products such as belts, tapes, hoses, plates and rings;
- manufacture of contraceptives, medical gloves, special suits for chemical protection and civil defense;
- manufacture of various types of rubber footwear with increased moisture protection, such as galoshes and boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of rubber be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for rubber in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of rubber differ from the table?
The actual weight of rubber depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of rubber from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of rubber is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.