Quick Reacting Hydrophilic Rubber

[UrbanWater]

I am looking for some direction, I am looking for a rubber product with neoprene characteristics but with a relatively short hydrophilic reaction time. I need a robust material that will expand on contact with water within minutes.

I would appreciate any direction.

 

[johnnymat]

Hi
Those materials are around and used by the oil and gas industry under the term of Swellable elastomers, usually used in a product called swellable packers. they are conventional rubbers like NBR or HNBR to which has been added a very hydrophillic material which absorbs water and swells rapidly, usualy PVA (poly vinyl alcohol( not acetate !)if you are already in contact with a rubber compounder ask them about the above.if they are supplying the oil and gas industry they should know about them.
otherwise a search on Google with some of the above terms should point you in the right direction

johnnymat