CSM Rubber

Product Overview

 

Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM, historically known as Hypalon) is a specialty synthetic elastomer produced by the chlorination and chlorosulfonation of polyethylene. It delivers an optimal balance of mechanical resilience and extreme resistance to environmental degradation. Unlike general-purpose diene rubbers such as EPDM or Neoprene, vulcanized CSM forms a tightly cross-linked surface barrier that resists continuous ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozone, oxygen attack, and aggressive chemical environments like oxidizing acids and polar solvents.


Supplied globally as calendered sheet goods, continuous extruded profiles, or compression-molded components, this material is engineered for heavy industrial service where standard elastomers fail prematurely due to weathering, chemical exposure, or thermal aging.

 

 
 
Product Specifications

 

Property

Test Standard

Typical Value / Range

Polymer Base

ASTM D1418

CSM (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene)

Durometer Hardness

ASTM D2240

50 to 85 Shore A (+/- 5)

Tensile Strength

ASTM D412

12.0 to 20.0 MPa

Elongation at Break

ASTM D412

300% to 500%

Temperature Range (Continuous)

ASTM D573

-30 deg C to +120 deg C (Spikes to +150 deg C)

Specific Gravity

ASTM D792

1.15 to 1.35 g/cm3

Compression Set (22h at 70 deg C)

ASTM D395 Method B

25% to 40%

Ozone Resistance (50 pphm, 40 deg C, 20% strain)

ASTM D1149

No cracking after 500 hours

 

Material & Compound Formulation

Compound performance is dictated by base polymer selection and cross-linking chemistry. We utilize virgin CSM polymers matched with heavy-metal oxide cure systems (primarily litharge or magnesia) rather than standard sulfur systems, establishing stable carbon-carbon and ionic cross-link networks.

 
 

Chlorine Content:

Controlled strictly between 29% and 43% to balance low-temperature flexibility, chemical inertness, and flame retardancy.

 
 
 

Filler Matrix:

Reinforced with high-structure furnace blacks and precipitated silicas to control tear propagation and tensile modulus without sacrificing dynamic fatigue performance.

 
 
 

Plasticizer Integration:

Low-volatility ester and polymeric plasticizers prevent plasticizer migration and long-term durometer creep.

 

 

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Product Construction & Design

Calendered Sheets: Produced in smooth or fabric finishes, with options for single or multi-ply polyester and aramid reinforcement inserts to limit elongation under high operational loads.


Extruded Profiles: Solid and sponge-density configurations manufactured to tight cross-sectional tolerances for structural glazing gaskets, cable entry seals, and protective rub rails.


Molded Components: Custom-engineered parts produced via compression and transfer molding with optimized gate designs to eliminate internal knit lines and micro-voids.

 

Performance Characteristics

Weather & UV Stability:

Chlorosulfonation creates a stable, saturated polymer backbone that prevents surface chalking, micro-fissuring, and mechanical embrittlement under continuous direct sunlight.

Fluid & Chemical Resistance:

Demonstrates low volumetric swell when exposed to mineral-based hydraulic oils, animal fats, concentrated alkalis, and inorganic acids.

Flame Retardancy:

High chlorine concentration imparts inherent self-extinguishing properties, complying with key industrial fire safety standards.

Dielectric Strength:

Maintains high electrical insulation performance, suitable for medium-voltage cable jackets and protective substation boots.

 

Available Customization Options

Durometer Spectrum:

Formulations adjustable from 50 Shore A (high compliance, soft seal) to 85 Shore A (rigid, structural load-bearing).

Color Capability:

Standard industrial black and white, with custom Pantone pigment matching available for safety coding or visual asset identification.

Surface Modification:

Post-cure surface chlorination or low-friction coatings applied to lower the coefficient of friction for automated assembly lines.

Adhesive Interlayers:

Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backings applied to flat strip profiles for positioning during installation.

 

Manufacturing Process
 

Production follows a tightly monitored workflow to ensure absolute batch-to-batch repeatability:

Internal Banbury Mixing:

Polymers, fillers, and curatives are processed in automated internal mixers with real-time temperature and torque logging to verify uniform dispersion.

Calendering & Extrusion:

Mixed compounds pass through multi-roll calenders for precise gauge control (+/- 0.1 mm) or steel-machined extrusion dies.

Curing & Vulcanization:

Continuous vulcanization (CV) lines or multi-daylight hydraulic presses apply calibrated thermal and pressure cycles aligned with compound rheometer curves.

Post-Cure Thermal Stabilization:

High-performance compounds undergo secondary oven baking to drive off volatile residuals and stabilize final cross-link density.

 

 

Typical Applications

Chemical Transfer Systems: Inner tube linings and protective covers for aggressive chemical hoses.


Waterproofing Membranes: Single-ply roofing sheets and flashing exposed to ponding water and constant solar radiation.


Marine Engineering: Fender facings, inflatable collar fabrics, and expansion joints resistant to salt-water immersion.


Electrical Infrastructure: Substation insulating gaskets, transformer seals, and high-voltage cable accessories.

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Industries Served

 
  • Chemical Processing & Fluid Handling
  • Marine & Offshore Infrastructure
  • Commercial Construction & Roofing
  • Power Generation & Electrical Transmission
  • Heavy Off-Highway Machinery

 

Standards & Quality Control

 

 

Every production lot is audited against rigorous internal protocols and international standards before release. 

Dimensional Verification:

Laser micrometers monitor extrusion cross-sections; manual vernier calipers and CMM equipment verify molded geometries.

 

Physical Testing:

In-house laboratory analysis verifies tensile strength, elongation, and durometer on every mixed batch.

 

Regulatory Compliance:

Raw materials comply with REACH and RoHS substance restrictions. A formal Certificate of Analysis (CoA) accompanies every shipment.

 

 

OEM & Custom Manufacturing

 

 

Engineering collaboration is available for custom part development. We accept standard CAD data formats (.STEP, .IGES) and 2D engineering drawings to review wall thickness transitions, draft angles, and parting line placement. Tooling production and prototype sample delivery are completed within 15 business days, backed by full dimensional inspection reports and material test sheets.

 

Packaging & Delivery

 

Roll Goods: Wound onto rigid cardboard cores, wrapped in moisture-barrier polyethylene film, and secured on fumigated wooden pallets or inside protective crated boxes to eliminate edge damage.

 

Profiles & Molded Parts: Packed in anti-static, moisture-sealed bags within heavy-duty double-wall corrugated cartons.

 

Logistics: Dispatched via air or ocean freight with complete export documentation, including packing lists, commercial invoices, and Certificates of Origin.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q: What is the primary operational advantage of CSM rubber over EPDM?

A: CSM offers substantially higher resistance to oils, greases, concentrated inorganic acids, and ozone. While EPDM is cost-effective for general atmospheric exposure, CSM maintains mechanical integrity and resists chemical degradation in aggressive industrial environments where EPDM swells or softens.

Q: What is the maximum continuous service temperature for CSM rubber?

A: Standard compounds operate continuously up to +120 deg C. Short-term thermal excursions up to +150 deg C are acceptable, though continuous exposure above +120 deg C accelerates cross-link aging and gradual hardening over time.

Q: Can CSM compounds be formulated to meet FDA or food-contact standards?

A: No. Standard CSM elastomer systems rely on heavy metal oxide curing agents (such as litharge) which preclude food-contact compliance. For applications requiring food, beverage, or potable water contact, alternative polymer families must be specified.

Q: What is the shelf life of vulcanized CSM sheets and molded components?

A: Vulcanized CSM products retain their baseline physical properties for up to 5 years when stored in a climate-controlled environment (<= 25 deg C) protected from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and mechanical distortion.

Q: How do you ensure batch-to-batch consistency in durometer and tensile strength?

A: Every batch undergoes Banbury mixer parameter tracking (energy input, temperature logs) and destructive physical testing (ASTM D412, ASTM D2240) prior to approval. Test results are archived in our quality management system and referenced on the accompanying Certificate of Analysis.

Q: What is the typical lead time for custom molded or extruded CSM components?

A: Tooling fabrication and initial sample submission require 15 to 20 business days. Serial production runs typically ship within 3 to 4 weeks following sample approval, depending on order volume and secondary finishing requirements.

 

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Request a Quote

To initiate a technical review or request a commercial quotation, please share your 2D/3D drawings, estimated annual usage, required durometer, and operating environment parameters. Our engineering team responds within 24 hours with a comprehensive technical proposal and material data sheet.

We're well-known as one of the leading csm rubber manufacturers and suppliers in China. If you're going to buy good quality csm rubber, welcome to get more information from our factory.

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