Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAR Rubber?

Reglin SAR 60 Rubber is a premium-grade, 60 Duro natural rubber compound engineered for superior performance in high-wear environments. Specially developed to deliver exceptional abrasion and impact resistance, SAR 60 has been refined over many years of supply to the mining and quarrying industries.

This tough and resilient rubber compound is designed to handle the world’s most demanding bulk materials handling applications. It provides outstanding protection against sliding abrasion caused by dry fine ore and wet slurry, as well as heavy impact from large, sharp, or hard rock. Whether exposed to one or a combination of these aggressive conditions, SAR 60 lives up to its reputation: Built Mine Tough.

SAR 60 Rubber is the base compound used in a wide range of Reglin products, including:

With a proven track record in mining, quarrying, and heavy industrial applications, SAR 60 Rubber offers reliable long-term performance and protection where it matters most.

What is a CN Bonding Layer?

A CN bonding layer is a semi-cured neoprene-based bonding surface applied to one side of selected Reglin rubber products during manufacture. It is designed to provide a ready-to-bond surface for cold bonding or hot bonding to steel, rubber, or other surfaces without the need for additional surface preparation such as buffing.

The CN layer acts as a chemical bridge between the rubber compound and the adhesive system. Because it is partially vulcanised, the CN layer remains chemically active, allowing it to form strong crosslinks with rubber adhesive systems when correctly applied. This process results in a durable, high-strength bond between the rubber and the substrate.

The CN bonding layer also includes an intermediate layer that enhances flexibility and helps to absorb shear forces at the bond interface, reducing the risk of delamination during service. This makes CN-layered rubber particularly suitable for wear protection linings, rubber-to-metal bonding, and construction bearing applications where high loads, vibration, or movement are present.

In Reglin products, our high-quality CN bonding layer provides a consistent, high-quality bonding surface that ensures excellent adhesion and long-term performance. It simplifies installation, improves reliability, and delivers a permanent bond suitable for demanding industrial and structural environments.

How Is the Oil Resistance of Rubber Tested and Measured?

The oil resistance of rubber is a measure of how well a rubber compound resists swelling, softening, or degradation when exposed to oils or hydrocarbons. Only certain types of rubber are naturally resistant to oil. Compounds such as Nitrile Rubber (NBR) and Viton (FKM) have excellent oil and fuel resistance, while rubbers like Natural Rubber (NR) and EPDM are not suitable for oily environments as they absorb oil and lose strength.

Oil resistance is typically evaluated using the ASTM D471 test method — Standard Test Method for Rubber Property — Effect of Liquids. In this test, rubber samples are immersed in specific reference oils at controlled temperatures and time periods. The samples are then measured for volume change, hardness change, and tensile property variation to determine the degree of oil swelling or deterioration.

The three standard test oils used represent different oil types and conditions:

  • Oil No. 1: A light mineral oil (non-polar) that simulates mild oil exposure conditions.
  • Oil No. 2: A medium oil (ASTM IRM 902) representing common petroleum-based lubricants.
  • Oil No. 3: A heavy oil (ASTM IRM 903) representing severe oil exposure conditions or high aromatic content oils

A smaller percentage of volume change or swelling indicates a more oil-resistant rubber. For example, Reglin Nitrile Rubber Sheeting products typically show very low swell, making them ideal for oil seals and gaskets used in contact with fuels, lubricants, and greases.

What makes HG Rubber High Grade?

HG Rubber is designated as “High Grade” because it is manufactured to a higher standard of material quality, consistency, and performance than general-purpose rubber compounds. Reglin’s HG formulations are engineered for strength, resilience, and long-term stability, making them suitable for demanding structural, bearing and sealing applications in the construction industry.

HG Rubber is produced using premium base polymers, controlled curing systems, and high-quality reinforcing ingredients, ensuring excellent mechanical properties and reliable performance under compressive load, shear, and movement. These compounds maintain shape and function over time, providing dependable load transfer, vibration control, and sealing capability in critical structural interfaces.

The HG designation identifies rubber products that deliver superior durability, low creep, and consistent behaviour under sustained pressure, making them a trusted choice for engineers, builders, and fabricators who require reliable, construction-grade performance in their projects.

Reglins HG range includes:

What Does MDG 3608 FRAS Certification Mean?

FRAS stands for Fire Resistant and Anti-Static. Rubber that is certified as FRAS has been independently tested and proven to meet the strict safety requirements for use in underground coal mines and other hazardous environments where fire and static electricity pose serious risks.

In Australia, FRAS rubber must comply with MDG 3608, which sets out the mandatory criteria a rubber product must meet before being approved for underground use.

How MDG 3608 Certification Works

To be certified FRAS under MDG 3608, rubber materials must pass several critical test categories:

1. Flame Resistance (Finger Burn Test)

The rubber must self-extinguish quickly and not sustain burning or propagate flame once the ignition source is removed. This ensures the material cannot contribute to the spread of fire in confined underground environments

2. Oxygen Index Requirement

The standard requires the rubber to have an oxygen index of at least 28%, meaning it needs a significantly higher oxygen concentration than normal air to continue burning. This is a key indicator of high fire resistance.

3. Anti-Static Performance (Electrical Resistivity)

To prevent ignition caused by static discharge, the material must have an electrical resistance of 300 MΩ or less. This ensures the rubber dissipates static electricity safely instead of storing it.

Rubber that meets these requirements is formally certified as Fire Resistant and Anti-Static (FRAS) and approved for use in underground coal mines.

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