Extremely Basic Questions about Rubber

[strongsocks]

Hello eng-tips community. I am no where near close to being someone who knows anything about material science. I am working on an idea and want to use rubber. But choosing the right rubber has become way more cumbersome than I even thought. There is so much out there. I am hoping that if I gave a list of properties I am hoping to find in a Rubber some one might be able to point me in the right direction.

My Rubber Specifications:
Extremely Stretchable
Very Strong/hard to rip or break
Holds original form like a champ
Smooth & Not Sticky
Can be colored

Sorry if this is not in the right forum or if my complete lack of understanding of Rubber is offensive. Thanks again guys.

Strongsocks

 

[btrueblood]

Natural and nitrile rubbers both fit your list. What chemicals and/or environment must the material stand up to?

 

[strongsocks]

Thank you for the reply. The rubber will be used as a cover to a cylinder. Im trying to make a single sized rubber cover that would fit in multiple cylinders any where from 2" diameter to a 4" diameter. The Cylinders will be used outside exposed to natural elements and packed away in case when not in use.

Do you know of a good manufacture that could help me to find the right material to use to produce a run of these things?

 

[btrueblood]

I'd look in Thomas Register online. By cylinder, I assume you mean hydraulic cylinder. Nitrile, with suitable UV stabilizers, is probably your best bet - has decent oil resistance, and can be made to survive outdoors. EPDM is much more resistant to weathering/UV, but won't hold up to the inevitable oil leaks.