Selecting the right gasket material is crucial in ensuring reliable sealing performance. The material you choose should be able to withstand your application’s unique conditions, such as high or low temperatures, extreme pressures, chemicals, and more.

Master Packing and Rubber Company (MPRC) maintains an extensive inventory of gasket sheeting and rolls. Our material selection includes compressed fiber sheets, various rubber sheets, PTFE, graphite, various plastics, and beater addition materials to meet the needs of diverse applications. Our gasket sheets and rolls come in multiple commercial and high grades and are stocked in a variety of forms, including pure homogeneous sheets and laminates in several types of substrates, foils, expanded steels, and tanged cores.

Synthetic Fiber Compressed / Blends

Synthetic fibers are materials that have been engineered from chemical compounds to achieve specific beneficial properties, like enhanced elasticity, strength, and durability. For certain sealing applications, these materials can be combined with elastomers and compressed to create a unique custom blend that offers superior performance. We work with multiple types of synthetic fibers, including aramid and carbon fibers, along with cotton, flax, ceramic and glass fibers.

Key Synthetic Fiber Types and Applications

Aramid Fibers: Strength and Abrasion Resistance

Aramid fibers are valued for their exceptional strength and abrasion resistance. Despite their lightweight nature, they offer high tensile strength, making them suitable for many demanding high-pressure environments. Aramid fibers are resistant to salts and many solvents but are sensitive to UV radiation and strong acids. They can endure extreme tension and bending, making them a popular solution for aerospace, automotive, and marine applications. 

Carbon Fibers: Thermal Stability and Lightweight Properties

Carbon fiber is a strong yet lightweight material that is resistant to many chemicals. Its durability and good thermal stability make it a good choice for high-temperature applications in aerospace, military, and automotive industries.

Glass and Ceramic Fibers: Flexibility and Heat Resistance

Glass fiber is a synthetic material that offers flexibility and high heat resistance. It can retain its shape even in high-temperature environments and is commonly chosen for marine applications due to its rust and corrosion resistance. Other industries that benefit from glass fiber gaskets include aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, and construction.

Benefits of Synthetic Fiber Materials

Synthetic fiber gasket materials have been engineered for application-specific purposes. Not only are they suitable for a diverse range of industrial needs, but they deliver other key benefits, such as:

  • Cost-effective
  • High-strength
  • Lightweight
  • Resistant to High Temperatures and Many Chemicals
  • Non-corrosive

Elastomers (Rubber)

Elastomers are elastic polymers, often referred to as rubber. They can be naturally occurring or synthetically produced and have the unique ability to return to their natural shape after deformation. At MPRC, we offer many types of natural and synthetic options, including SBR, neoprene, silicone, EPDM, nitrile, and many more.

Common Applications for Elastomers

Elastomeric gaskets are suitable for a diverse range of applications, including rugged outdoor equipment, high-tech handheld devices, medical equipment, and much more:

Automotive Components

Due to their heat and chemical resistance, elastomer gaskets and seals are used within radiator systems and other automotive components. 

Consumer Goods

Elastomer gaskets are resilient and flexible, making them ideal for delivering lasting performance in electronics and other consumer goods.

Medical Devices

Silicone gaskets are biocompatible and resistant to many chemicals. This makes them an ideal option for medical prosthetics and other devices.

Benefits of Elastomers in Sealing Applications

Elastomeric gasket materials offer the following key benefits:

  • Superior Durability and Elasticity
  • Resistance to Abrasion, Shock, and Temperature Extremes
  • Versatility
  • Chemical Resistance
  • Cost-effective
  • Excellent Sealing Performance

Polymers (Plastics)

Commonly referred to as plastics, polymer materials are extremely versatile. MPRC works with several types of polymers to create gaskets with a range of impressive performance capabilities. Polymers are not only lightweight but durable and able to endure extreme environmental conditions.

Types of Polymers Offered by MPRC

We offer various polymers to meet the needs of diverse sealing applications. Options include:

PTFE variants (Teflon™)

PTFE, commonly known as Teflon™, is an FDA-approved, non-reactive material with exceptional thermal resistance. It is ideal for applications that require stringent chemical resistance.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a durable, abrasion-resistant material that is recommended in applications where wear resistance is crucial.

HDPE and LDPE

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are both strong and flexible polymers that are ideal for industrial sealing applications. We also offer ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) where extreme wear resistance is needed.

Applications of Polymer-Based Materials

Due to their many performance benefits and adaptability, polymer-based materials are used for gaskets in the following applications:

  • Medical Devices
  • Food Processing
  • Piping Systems
  • Pharmaceutical Equipment
  • Engine Components

Minerals / Natural Fiber / Beater Addition

Minerals and natural fibers are naturally occurring. They are resistant to many chemicals and compatible with both low and high-temperature environments. MPRC offers a wide range of natural fiber and beater-add materials to meet your unique requirements.

Key Benefits of Mineral/Natural Fiber Materials

Mineral-based gasket materials are suitable for virtually any industry that requires a reliable and long-lasting seal. Key benefits include:

  • Flexibility
  • Resistance to Extreme Temperatures
  • Chemical Resistance
  • Able to Withstand High Pressures

Applications Across Industries

Natural fiber gaskets deliver a safe and reliable performance within many industries. Some of the most common fields include:

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Industrial Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Marine

Comparing the Material Categories

With so many options available, determining the best material for your needs can seem overwhelming. While each application has unique needs, our material categories can be summed up by the following general recommendations:


  • Synthetic Fiber Compressed / Blends
    Ideal for high-temperature, high-pressure environments that require lasting durability.
  • Elastomers
    Recommended for applications that require shock absorption, abrasion resistance, and flexibility.
  • Polymers
    Ideal for applications that require chemical-resistant, lightweight materials.
  • Minerals and Natural Fibers
    The preferred option for applications that require thermal stability or eco-friendly materials.

Real-World Applications of MPRC Materials

Our materials have been successfully installed throughout a diverse range of applications. We take the time to understand your needs and help you overcome specific operational challenges. Some of the most common uses for our products include:

  • Food Processing
  • Chemical Plants
  • Water Treatment Plants
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Refineries
  • Rail and Marine
  • Pump and Valve Manufacturers

Quality Materials for Custom Gaskets & Seals by MPRC

MPRC has over 40 years of experience crafting durable solutions for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our custom industrial gaskets and seals are built according to your precise specifications from our ISO 9001:2015-certified facility. No matter what challenges your application involves, our experienced team can help you identify the ideal material to ensure safety and reliability. Explore our product lines to get started or start a conversation with our experts by requesting a quote today.

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