Key Characteristics of Sorbo Rubber
- Colour: Black (textured skin finish; some chalk residues may remain from manufacturing)
- Structure: Open-cell
- Density: 380 kg/m³
- Temperature Range: -40°C to +80°C
- Tensile Strength: 280 kPa
- Elongation at Break: 250%
- Resistance:
- Ozone: Poor
- Oil: Poor
- Acids: Medium/Good
- Alkalis: Good
Full technical data sheets are available on request or can be downloaded from our portal.
Sorbo Rubber
At Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd (ASG), we supply and convert a wide range of high-quality sponge rubber materials, including Sorbo Rubber. Unlike many of our closed-cell sponge rubbers, Sorbo rubber is an open-cell natural sponge rubber, making it particularly valuable for applications that require compression recovery, circulation of gases or fluids, and reliable cushioning performance.
Sorbo rubber is available in roll form, with a distinctive patterned skin finish. It can be supplied as full rolls, cut-down rolls, sheets, or pre-cut finished components tailored to customer requirements. Thanks to its durability and flexibility, Sorbo rubber is widely used in industries ranging from automotive and energy to construction, packaging, and manufacturing.
Call us today on 01384 252555 to request samples, technical data, or a bespoke quotation for Sorbo rubber.
What is Sorbo Rubber?
Sorbo rubber is an open-cell, natural sponge rubber material, characterised by its porous internal structure. Unlike closed-cell sponges that resist fluid absorption, Sorbo rubber allows for limited absorption and circulation of gases and fluids, making it suitable for specialist applications.
The open-cell design also gives Sorbo rubber excellent compression recovery properties. Even after repeated loading, distortion, or prolonged use, the material quickly regains its original form. This makes it a robust yet soft and compressible solution for sealing, insulation, cushioning, and vibration control.
Sorbo rubber rolls can be supplied in standard lengths and thicknesses, or converted in-house into custom pads, gaskets, strips, washers, or noise-reducing floor strips.
Product Enquiry
For information on Sorbo Rubber please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Why Use Sorbo Rubber?
Sorbo rubber offers a unique balance of softness, flexibility, and durability. While lightweight and compressible, it is still considered a heavy-duty material thanks to its strength and resilience under load.
Customers choose Sorbo rubber for:
- Excellent compression recovery – retains shape after repeated use.
- Effective sealing – particularly around uneven or irregular surfaces.
- Noise and vibration absorption – helps reduce sound transmission and dampen mechanical movement.
- Protective cushioning – suitable for packaging or isolating equipment.
- Circulation capability – allows limited absorption and controlled gas or fluid flow where required.
Because it is available in full rolls, sheets, or finished cut parts, Sorbo rubber is extremely versatile and can be used across multiple industries.
Applications of Sorbo Rubber
- Automotive Industry – used for gaskets, seals, and vibration control in engines, transmissions, and machinery.
- Manufacturing & Engineering – seals for heavy equipment, insulation layers, and noise-dampening components.
- Chemical Processing – suitable for certain acid- and alkali-resistant applications.
- Energy & Electrical – used for insulation, gasketing, and vibration reduction in power generation and distribution.
- Agriculture & Farming – durable seals and vibration absorbers for farm machinery and equipment.
- Construction – noise-reducing flooring strips, joist isolation tapes, and sealing expansion joints.
- Packaging – protective cushioning material, offering flexibility and compression recovery.
Benefits of Sorbo Rubber
- Excellent compression recovery properties.
- Effective sealing around uneven or complex shapes.
- Open-cell structure allows gas and fluid circulation when required.
- Provides anti-vibration and acoustic insulation.
- Good resistance to weathering and ozone compared to other natural rubbers.
- Cost-effective material for a wide variety of sealing and protective applications.
The Advantages of Open-Cell Sorbo Rubber
The open-cell structure of Sorbo rubber makes it different from closed-cell sponge materials:
- Moisture & Gas Circulation – rather than blocking completely, it allows for limited absorption and controlled circulation where necessary.
- Soft, Compressible Feel – ideal for sealing against uneven surfaces and for use in comfort or cushioning applications.
- Repetitive Load Performance – retains recovery even under repeated compression, making it ideal for packaging, expansion joints, and vibration isolation.
- Sound & Vibration Absorption – reduces transmission of unwanted noise and mechanical vibrations, improving performance in flooring and machinery settings.
Other Grades of Sponge Rubber Available
Alongside Sorbo rubber, ASG offers a comprehensive range of sponge rubber materials to suit different performance needs:
- EPDM Sponge Rubber – available in medium, firm, semi-open cell, and high-temperature grades. Excellent for outdoor sealing due to UV and ozone resistance.
- Neoprene Sponge Rubber – flame retardant grades available; resistant to oils, fuels, and weathering.
- Silicone Sponge – high temperature resistance and chemically inert.
- Polyurethane Sponge – versatile cushioning and insulation material.
Why Choose ASG for Sorbo Rubber?
- UK-based stock and conversion facility for fast turnaround.
- Custom cutting and conversion services – including rolls, sheets, gaskets, strips, and finished parts.
- Expert technical advice to help select the right material for your application.
- Quality assurance across all materials, ensuring durability and reliability.
Whether you require Sorbo rubber rolls for in-house cutting or pre-converted pads and gaskets, Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd can provide a cost-effective, high-quality solution.
Call us today on 01384 252555 or complete our enquiry form to learn more about Sorbo rubber and request a free quotation.
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.