Durometer is a term that is commonly used in the world of materials science. It refers to a standardized method of measuring the hardness of various materials, including rubber (elastomers) and plastics. The measurement of hardness is an important aspect of materials science, as it helps to determine the physical properties of a given material and how it will perform under different conditions.
In the case of rubber, the most commonly used scale is the Shore A Durometer. This scale is used to measure the hardness of various types of rubber, and it provides a convenient way to understand the properties of different types of rubber. To give you an idea of what different durometer values correspond to, here are some examples of common items and their corresponding durometer values in the Shore A scale:
- A gummy bear would be around 10 durometer
- A pencil eraser would be around 40 durometer
- A ballistic block is around 60 durometer
- A tire is around 70 durometer
- A skateboard wheel is around 95 durometer
On the other hand, most plastics are typically measured using the Shore D scale. In this case, the durometer values would be slightly different. For example:
- A skateboard wheel would be around 50 durometer Shore D
- A hardhat would be around 80 durometer Shore D
As you can see, durometer provides a convenient and standardized way to understand the hardness of different materials. By knowing the durometer values of a given material, you can gain insight into its properties, such as its flexibility, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.
Durometer is an important tool in the field of materials science. Whether you are a rubber or plastic manufacturer, or simply someone who is interested in understanding the properties of different materials, it is valuable to have a basic understanding of durometer and what different durometer values correspond to. By using this tool, you can make informed decisions about the materials you use, and ensure that they are suitable for your specific needs.
Other physical properties of rubber
Physical properties of rubber play a crucial role in determining its performance and suitability for various applications. Here are some important physical properties of rubber:
- Tensile strength: This is the amount of force needed to break apart a rubber sample. It is also known as ultimate tensile strength and is measured in pounds per square inch. Tensile strength is an important factor for producers and buyers as it indicates the point at which the rubber will fail.
- Tensile modulus: This is the force required to produce a certain percentage of elongation in a rubber sample. Although similar to tensile strength, tensile modulus is a different property. Harder rubber generally has a higher tensile modulus, indicating its higher resilience.
- Elongation: This refers to the percentage increase or strain in the original length of a rubber sample when subjected to tensile force. Different types of elastomers exhibit varying levels of elongation, with natural rubber typically having a higher elongation compared to other rubber compounds.
- Resilience: Also known as rebound, resilience refers to a rubber’s ability to return to its original size or shape after bending or compression. This property is particularly important in applications where a moving object is penetrating a stationary surface, such as handling rounds.
- Tear resistance: This is the resistance of rubber to tearing when subjected to tension after being cut or nicked. Tear resistance, also known as tear strength, is measured in kilonewtons per meter or pound-force per inch and is an important consideration in selecting a rubber compound for applications where it will be in contact with sharp objects.
- Abrasion resistance: This refers to a rubber’s ability to resist abrasion caused by scraping or rubbing. Abrasion-resistant rubber is commonly used in high impact industrial applications, such as in the mining industry.
By understanding these physical properties, you can better appreciate the significance of physical properties in determining the performance of a rubber product.
