Rubber is a very special material. What makes it particular is its high recovery capacity (elasticity). Thanks to their design, VR seals profit of this capability eminently.

Elastomers consist of a long chain of repeating monomers. Such a chain-like arrangement is called polymer. In the case of elastomers, this rotatability is so distinct that the molecules twist into a so-called polymer branch (rubber elasticity). This endeavour is merely the result of the rotational movement along the chain taking place in completely random directions. The arrangement of the individual atoms of the chain around the centre of the molecule corresponds to a Gaussian distribution.

If a polymer is stretched by a tensile stress, the chains as a result align themselves preferentially in the direction of the load. The elastomer is thus stretched. As soon as the tensile stress terminates, the chains begin again with the random rotary motion, in the course of which they again assume the statistically established Gaussian distribution. The chains “relax” and the elastomer contracts again.

VR Dichtungen offers you a very wide range of elastomers, from NBR for standard seals to the latest high-performance materials, appropriate for FDA / food requirements, too.

Particularly noteworthy in this context are:

• VR HNBR, excellent for applications at higher pressures, do not tend to explosive decompression*
• VR FKM with PTFE or self-lubricating additives

*specific variant, please contact us if you are interested