Description
📅 Last updated: March 2026 · Reviewed by Polymer Engineer
Natural Rubber Sheet – Premium Grade High Elasticity Industrial NR
Premium natural rubber sheeting (NR/latex rubber) offering unmatched abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and elasticity for demanding industrial applications. Derived from Hevea brasiliensis latex, our 40 Shore A natural rubber delivers the highest rebound resilience of any elastomer – ideal for impact absorption, conveyor systems, and heavy-duty wear protection.
Trusted by mining operations, quarries, material handling facilities, and manufacturing plants across the UK where mechanical durability outperforms all other requirements.
✓ Superior Abrasion Resistance · ✓ 80%+ Rebound Resilience · ✓ Free UK Delivery · ✓ Cut to Your Length
Technical Specifications (BS 1154 Grade)
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural Rubber (NR/Latex) | - |
| Shore Hardness | 40 Shore A (±5) | ASTM D2240 / ISO 48 |
| Tensile Strength | ≥18 MPa | ASTM D412 / ISO 37 |
| Elongation at Break | ≥600% | ASTM D412 / ISO 37 |
| Tear Strength | ≥30 kN/m | ASTM D624 / ISO 34 |
| Abrasion Resistance | ≤120 mm³ | DIN 53516 / ISO 4649 |
| Rebound Resilience | ≥75% | ISO 4662 |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +70°C | Continuous Use |
| Density | 1.05-1.15 g/cm³ | ASTM D297 |
| Compression Set | ≤15% (22h @ 70°C) | ASTM D395 / ISO 815 |
| Colour | Black | - |
| Finish | Smooth both sides | - |
Why Natural Rubber Outperforms Synthetics
Natural rubber's molecular structure (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) provides unique properties that no synthetic can fully replicate:
| Property | Natural (NR) | SBR | Neoprene | Nitrile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 18-25 MPa ★ | 8-15 MPa | 6-12 MPa | 6-10 MPa |
| Tear Resistance | Excellent ★ | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent ★ | Good | Good | Good |
| Rebound Resilience | 80%+ ★ | 50-60% | 40-50% | 40-50% |
| Elongation | 600-700% ★ | 400-500% | 300-400% | 300-400% |
| Oil Resistance | Poor ✗ | Poor | Good | Excellent ★ |
| Weather/UV | Poor ✗ | Poor | Excellent ★ | Poor |
Applications by Industry
- Conveyor belt skirting
- Chute and hopper liners
- Screen deck mats
- Impact bars and wear plates
- Crusher curtains
- Loading bay bumpers
- Dock leveller seals
- Forklift cushioning
- Pallet handling protection
- Bin and container linings
- Workbench protection
- Press platens and die cutting
- Anti-vibration mounts
- Machine base isolation
- Assembly line cushioning
- Bridge bearing pads
- Structural isolation
- Pile cushions
- Expansion joint filler
- Formwork protection
Thickness Selection Guide
| Thickness | Primary Applications | Wear Life* |
|---|---|---|
| 3mm | Gaskets, seals, electrical insulation, bench top covers | Light duty |
| 5mm | General protection, tank linings, vibration damping pads | 1-2 years |
| 6mm | Industrial flooring, conveyor skirting, standard wear applications | 2-3 years |
| 10mm | Heavy skirting, chute liners, loading bay bumpers | 3-5 years |
| 12mm | Impact zones, hopper linings, screen deck mats | 4-6 years |
| 15mm | High-impact areas, crusher curtains, extreme abrasion zones | 5-7 years |
| 20mm | Maximum impact absorption, bridge bearings, heavy machinery | 7-10 years |
| 25mm | Extreme applications, structural bearings, maximum wear life | 10+ years |
*Wear life estimates based on moderate industrial use. Actual life varies with material throughput and abrasion severity.
Understanding Rubber Hardness
Shore A Hardness Scale Explained:
| 20-30 Shore A: | Very soft (rubber band flexibility) |
| 40 Shore A: | Soft – This product – ideal for seals, gaskets, vibration damping |
| 50-60 Shore A: | Medium – general industrial applications |
| 70 Shore A: | Firm – load-bearing, wheels, solid tyres |
| 80+ Shore A: | Hard – minimal flexibility, maximum load capacity |
Why Choose Our Natural Rubber Sheet?
- Premium NR Compound: Genuine natural rubber latex – not NR/SBR blends that compromise performance
- BS 1154 Grade: Manufactured to British Standard for industrial rubber sheet
- Consistent 40 Shore A: Optimal balance of flexibility and durability throughout
- High Tensile Strength: ≥18 MPa ensures tear resistance under load
- Cut to Length: Order exactly what you need – no minimum quantities
- Full Width Rolls: 1400mm (thin gauges) and 1200mm (thick gauges) available
- Free UK Delivery: All orders shipped free to UK mainland addresses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is natural rubber sheet best used for?
Natural rubber (NR) excels where abrasion resistance, high elasticity, and tear strength are critical. Top applications include conveyor belt skirting, mining chute liners, industrial flooring, anti-vibration mounts, and impact-absorbing pads. Its 80%+ rebound resilience makes it ideal for shock absorption. Avoid using NR with oils, fuels, or in prolonged UV exposure.
What is the difference between natural rubber and synthetic rubber?
Natural rubber (from Hevea brasiliensis latex) offers superior tensile strength (15-25 MPa), tear resistance, and abrasion resistance compared to most synthetics. However, synthetic rubbers like nitrile (NBR) offer better oil resistance, EPDM offers better weather resistance, and silicone offers higher temperature tolerance. Choose NR when mechanical properties matter most; choose synthetics for chemical/environmental resistance.
Can natural rubber be used outdoors?
Natural rubber has poor ozone and UV resistance, causing surface cracking (known as 'ozone cracking' or 'weather checking') within 6-12 months of outdoor exposure. For outdoor applications, use EPDM or neoprene rubber instead. NR is best suited for indoor industrial environments, covered loading bays, and applications where it's protected from direct sunlight.
Is natural rubber oil resistant?
No. Natural rubber swells and degrades when exposed to petroleum oils, fuels, and most solvents. For oil-contact applications, use nitrile rubber (NBR) which offers excellent oil resistance. Natural rubber is suitable for water, air, dilute acids, and general-purpose applications where oil contact is not expected.
What does Shore A hardness mean for rubber?
Shore A hardness measures rubber flexibility on a 0-100 scale. Our 40 Shore A natural rubber is soft and flexible (like a pencil eraser), ideal for seals and gaskets. 60 Shore A is medium hardness suitable for general industrial use. 70+ Shore A is firm, used for load-bearing applications. For anti-vibration mounts, 40-50 Shore A is typically specified.
How do I cut natural rubber sheet?
For thin sheets (3-6mm): use a sharp Stanley knife or rotary cutter against a straight edge. For thicker sheets (10mm+): use a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade, or a bandsaw. Always cut on a stable surface. For curved cuts, a hole saw or leather punch works well. We can also supply pre-cut pieces to your specifications – contact us for a quote.
Related Products
- All Rubber Sheeting – Complete range of industrial rubber sheets
- SBR Rubber Sheet – Cost-effective general purpose alternative
- Nitrile Rubber Sheet (NBR) – For oil and fuel resistance
- EPDM Rubber Sheet – For outdoor and weather resistance
- Anti-Vibration Mounts – Pre-formed isolation products
Natural Rubber Sheet High Elasticity 3-25mm Industrial Grade | RubberMatting-Direct
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