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Comparing the performance of nitrile versus general-purpose rubber mats

ComfortFlow Work Mat
For many industries, rubber floor mats are essential in providing safety, hygiene and worker comfort. When selecting rubber mats, it is important to understand how their material and construction can affect their in-service performance.

Rubber floor mats are usually made from either general-purpose styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or from nitrile, also known as Buna-N or NBR rubber. Both are synthetic elastomers, which are known for their desirable working properties, such as durability, flexibility and tensile strength.

SBR is the primary material in general-purpose rubber. While it performs reasonably well in commercial and industrial floor mats, it is not as pliable or abrasion-resistant as nitrile. Advance Matting offers an extensive range of nitrile rubber mats to suit most commercial and industrial applications.

We supply nitrile because of its great tensile strength, pliability and abrasion-resistance. It also repels oil, grease and water effectively, making it the ideal choice for rubber floor mats. It offers good rebound, and is easily rolled up and removed for cleaning.

ComfortFlow and ComfortScrape mats are ideal for use wherever a safe, washable, launderable and hygienic rubber mat is required – in kitchens and hospitals, for instance. The 100% nitrile rubber provides superior grease, oil and chemical resistance, and is treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent odours. These anti-fatigue mats have a slip-resistant surface with bevelled edges, and are lightweight, flexible and washable.

WorkSave is a multipurpose anti-fatigue mat suitable for wet or dry areas. It can be used in workshops, hospitality or processing plants, and on commercial or private boats. These durable 13mm mats provide a non-slip, free-draining surface with safety ramped edging, and will sustain heavy wear. Options include General Purpose (Black) and Grease Resistant (Terracotta). The Grease Resistant option is recommended for locations where there will be limited exposure to oil or grease, such as workstations. Regular cleaning and maintenance is recommended.

For safe, durable and comfortable work areas in greasy applications like kitchens and food preparation areas, nitrile rubber is the premium choice.

Other Advance rubber mats include the MultiZone, interlocking units which are quick to assemble and adapt for specific areas. Others, such as the Ozone range, offer the perfect solution for dry work areas – e.g., warehouses, offices and work benches.

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