Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)/ Hypalon

Chlorosulfonated polyethylene or CSM is a synthetic rubber based on polyethylene. This rubber is a material with Neoprene Polychloroprene plus other qualities. The CSM rubber is suitable for continuous use up to about 130 degree celcius. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) is known for its excellent resistance to atmospheric conditions and good resistance to chemicals. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene is used in a variety of industrial and automotive applications that require high performance and have to withstand extreme weather conditions. Some poducts where chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber is used include rubber linings, hoses, valve seals and gaskets etc.

Hypalon

Hypalon® is the trade mark of CSM. Hypalon was developed in 1951 and since then it has become the common name for chlorosulfonated polyethylene. It is a product of DuPont Performance Elastomers, a subsidiary of DuPont. However, it is also manufactured by other manufacturers with different trade names. Hypalon® has always demonstrated durability in harsh environments. This type of rubber is known to be used in applications that require high performance and resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light.

Properties of Hypalon or Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)

• This rubber has excellent resistance to oxygen, ozone and most chemicals, water.
• It has poor fuel resistance.
• It also has poor compression set resistance which limits its utility in dynamic sealing applications.
• It also has poor compression set resistance which limits its usefulness in dynamic sealing applications.
• It is resistant to weather.
• It is also resistant to abrasion.

Uses of Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene

CSM is used in a number of applications. Variety of products are made using CSM. Some of the popular uses and applications of Hypalon or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) are as follows:

• Construction industry uses CSM for roofing membranes, liners and covers for portable water reservoirs etc.
• Automotive industry uses chlorosulfonated polyethylene for making hoses, tubing and belts etc. Automotive components like high-temperature timing belts and power steering are made of CSM.
• Wire and cable industry uses CSM for making molded goods, coatings and adhesives. It is widely used for jacketing and insulation for wire and cable
• For manufacturing of such industrial products as hose, rolls, seals, gaskets, diaphragms and lining for chemical processing equipment also, chlorosulfonated polyethylene is a preferred choice.
• Some other products where CSM is used widely include rubber coating shoe soles, flexible tubes, flexible magnetic binders, and a host of protective and decorative coatings