Aerospace rubber products can be designed and manufactured into a range of bespoke parts which are designed to support the safe operation and maximum performance of several applications.

Certain rubber materials are better suited to applications in the aerospace industry, like aviation and aircraft, spacecraft and military and defence, because they maximise safety and comfort, maintain pressure and temperature and protect people and equipment.

At Aquaseal Rubber, we support several industries with bespoke rubber solutions. Our aerospace rubber products are designed to meet safety standards and perform optimally for extended periods of time.

Rubber materials used in the aerospace industry

The uses of rubber in the aerospace industry are vast, meaning materials must be versatile yet flexible and perfectly suited to their specific application. No matter the part you’re looking for – whether it be for aircraft and aviation, spacecraft or military and defence – our team at Aquaseal Rubber can design, manufacture and deliver rubber parts to the highest quality and aligned with your bespoke needs.

Natural rubber is very rarely used in the aerospace industry because it has several weaknesses which conflict with high aerospace requirements. Instead, the different types of synthetic rubber are used to create products that are suitable for use in extreme conditions.

Aerospace rubber products are typically made from silicone, viton, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile and neoprene for different applications like rubber seals, o-rings and transportation hoses and tubing.

Aerospace rubber for aircraft and aviation

Rubber is a critical aspect of aircraft, with the most widespread use in rubber seals, rubber gaskets and o-rings, which are found in fuel systems, hydraulics, engines, landing gears, doors, windows and environmental control systems. Several types of rubber, like nitrile, EPDM and silicone, are used in these applications.

EPDM is commonly used in rubber hoses and tubing for aircraft because it withstands extremely high temperatures, is ozone, UV and weather resistant, and maintains flexibility in cold temperatures. Neoprene is used for sound insulation inside the cabin and in door, window and cabin pressure seals in older aircraft models.

Polyurethane, a material that can be manufactured to be as soft as pencil rubber or as hard as nylon and anywhere in between, can also be found in aircraft models, from coated fabrics in fuel tank bladders to vibration isolators.

Natural rubber is not used in fuel or high-temperature operating systems, but it can be used in aircraft suspension bushings to prevent vibration and in tyres and wheels because it has excellent tear strength.

Aerospace rubber for spacecraft

Rubber materials used in spacecraft have to be precisely engineered to ensure they will perform optimally under extreme conditions, like vacuum, radiation, cryogenic temperatures, atomic oxygen and severe thermal cycling.

Like aircraft. the primary use of rubber in spacecraft applications is for rubber seals and o-rings which are used to support valves, regulators and feed lines for fuels because of their chemical resistance, thermal stability and functionality under vacuum. Cabin pressure seals, found in windows, doors and module seals, are typically made from EPDM because of their ageing and ozone resistance, ability to remain elasticity through thermal cycles and because it is safe for oxygen-rich cabin environments.

Polyurethane is used in internal vibration mounts because it offers extreme toughness and tear strength, whilst natural rubber is used only on the inside of the cabin because it outgasses in vacuum. Silicone is primarily used for thermal barrier gaskets and fire-resistant seals because they have inherent flame resistance.

Crew and ground equipment also rely on rubber. Viton, EPDM and silicone are used in a range of applications to support this equipment, like in space suits and gloves or for spacecraft fuelling, because they are oxygen-safe, flexible at extreme cold temperatures and have high durability under prolonged and repeated use.

Aerospace rubber for military and defence

For military and defence applications, rubber is used in protective clothing, vehicle components and other specialised applications.

Butyl rubber is used in chemical protective suits and gas masks because of its exceptional chemical resistance, low gas permeability, ageing and weather resistance and strong flexibility in cold weather. Neoprene can be found in combat gloves and impact protection padding because it is flame resistant and has excellent flexibility and durability properties, whilst nitrile is common in protective footwear because of its strong grip performance and good puncture and abrasion resistance.

Military aircraft, like aeroplanes and helicopters, are used to transfer fluids such as oil, fuel and hydraulics, meaning suitable rubber hoses and tubing must be manufactured. Nitrile and viton are common aerospace rubber products found in these materials because they are resistant to oil and jet fuels and are able to operate in higher temperatures. in hydraulic system hoses, EPDM can be used because it has a high heat and oxidation resistance and also survives prolonged exposure.

Rubber seals and rubber gaskets are used to prevent leaks and improve performance, whilst rubber pads are used to reduce vibration and shock. Viton is found in seals because of its resistance to chemicals, low permeability, excellent compression set and ability to operate within a high temperature range and silicone can be used in non-fuel areas or spaces with extreme temperature swings. Natural rubber is the top choice for rubber pads if an application is facing heavy vibration isolation when chemical exposure is low. Otherwise, neoprene, EPDM or nitrile are excellent choices for applications exposed to weather, oils or flames.

Aquaseal create custom aerospace rubber products

At Aquaseal Rubber, we are proud to work with clients operating in several sectors of the aerospace industry, and other industries, We work closely with our customers to ensure their bespoke needs are met and that each rubber product is designed, manufactured and delivered to the exact specifications of applications to ensure a seamless fit and expanded lifespan.

The uses of rubber in the aerospace industry cover several sectors, and we understand the importance of safety for passengers or military experts during different operations. Therefore, we can produce any type of rubber to meet your bespoke specifications.

Choosing Aquaseal Rubber for your bespoke aerospace rubber products

Whether you operate in commercial aircraft and aviation, spacecraft or military and defence, our team at Aquaseal Rubber are prepared to support your project to the highest standard.

Contact us to see how we can collaborate on your bespoke aerospace rubber projects and applications.