When looked at side by side with natural sheets, rubber that is produced from synthetic material offers a different set of characteristics and benefits. There are many different kinds of synthetics—Neoprene, Silicone, and EPDM, to name a few—and each one is going to vary from the others. Part of the reason that thick and thin sheet rubber comes in so many kinds is that there are just as many characteristics and qualities that are desirable for any even larger amount of projects. Perhaps soft rubber will be needed for a project that requires cushioning. Or maybe solid rubber is what will do the trick for protecting industrial machinery. With natural rubber, there is little variation. It is not a perfect fit for every application. Tailoring specific kinds of elastomers gives them unique capabilities that distinguish them from natural rubber. While each kind is going to differ from one another in both large and small ways, there are some similarities that they do possess. Overall, synthetically produced elastomers are tough, durable, and come with a variety of options for applications.

Here are some of the shared characteristics synthetic sheets, rubber rolls, sheets, and mats, and the applications which they can be purposed towards:

• Toughness: Generally, sheets that are produced from synthetic elastomers typically do well in tough and dynamic applications. For an application like this, you’d likely want to go with a solid rubber. You might find that a certain synthetic has both a hard/solid form and a soft form. It’s up to you to find out which type you need for your project and from which materials. Each type of elastomer may fare better or worse when stacked up against another, so read up on your application before choosing a specific mat or roll; this way, you will be purchasing the best product for your situation.

• Durability: Synthetics are also generally durable. When evaluating thin sheet rubber material, it will typically be durable and able to withstand dynamic circumstances. For example, the rubber used in pavement skirting applications must be durable and tough in order to plow driveways and streets. The lifespan of a rubber will depend on its tensile strength and which kind a customer chooses to order. Even soft rubber can be extremely durable and long-lasting when made with the right materials, so there’s no need to worry.
• Variety: As already mentioned, synthetics come in many varieties, with an even greater amount of products that can be produced. Who doesn’t enjoy the spice of life? Here are some common products/materials that are available: nitrile, skirtboard, EPDM, neoprene, Santoprene™, and cloth-inserted sheet rubber. The many options available allow customers to be as specific and picky as they want and still get the best available rubber sheet for their application.
• Petroleum-Based: Synthetics are produced with petroleum-based products. While these do take from non-renewable resources, the trade-off is that they are longer-lasting products and they can be recycled into new products. These things contribute to the well-being of the environment just as much as the use of natural products.
• Soft: Synthetic rubber is often used because it is soft when compared to other products, such as wood or metal blades. Rubber is used for an abundance of things like mats, pads, seals, and gaskets for this reason.
• Shock Absorption: Synthetic rubber is sometimes used, because of its shock-absorbing quality, in car bumpers and play mats. This is a protective and useful quality that is also pertinent to anti-vibration applications and soundproofing.
• Protection: Rubber can protect one surface area from another. In applications such as snowplowing, synthetic rubber can be used to protect a driveway or street from the blade of the snowplow. The rubber acts as a protective shield while still getting the work done.

Now that we have looked at the many characteristics of thin sheet rubber you’ll know exactly what it can be used for. Whether it is solid rubber or soft rubber, there are ample uses for these synthetic sheets. Rubber, because of its many varieties, is perhaps the most prolific item throughout industries of all kinds.