Rubber technical products (RTP): types and applications

Rubber technical products (RTP) represent an extensive class of industrial goods manufactured on the basis of natural and synthetic rubbers, as well as rubber compounds with various fillers and reinforcing materials. RTP are used in virtually all spheres of industry and daily life, from food production and packaging to oil extraction and the aerospace industry. The basis of any rubber compound is rubber, accounting for 40–70% of its composition. Synthetic rubbers account for about 55% of global consumption in this industry, while natural rubber continues to be used where its unique properties remain critical.

Classification of RTP

Rubber technical products are classified according to several key criteria: by design, by production method, by purpose and by the type of rubber used.

By design, RTP are divided into rubber (monolithic), rubber-reinforced (rubber-metal, rubber-textile, rubber-plastic), hollow, sponge and combined products. Rubber-textile products represent a separate group of structural composites in which the matrix (rubber) is reinforced with a textile filler. A specific feature of such products is that they are almost always created as structures with a predetermined arrangement of the fibrous filler in the direction of tensile loads.

By production method, RTP are divided into moulded and non-moulded. Non-moulded RTP include profiles, seals, gaskets, and plates for safe railway crossings. Moulded RTP are manufactured by compression or injection moulding and include products for automobiles, excavators and other machinery.

By purpose, RTP are distinguished for sealing movable and fixed joints, vibration isolation, shock absorption, as well as special-purpose products for operation in aggressive environments.

Main Types of RTP

Rubber plates are one of the most common forms of RTP. These are products obtained from rubber by moulding in a hydraulic press or by injection moulding. Requirements for them are regulated by GOST 7338-90. Depending on their purpose and technical characteristics, plates are divided into several main types:

• MBS (oil-and-gasoline-resistant) — used for manufacturing gaskets and sealing elements in fixed metal or polymer joints. They feature increased resistance to oils and petroleum products. Two classes are distinguished: for systems with pressure above 0.1 MPa and below 0.1 MPa.

• TMKShch (heat-frost-acid-alkali-resistant) — a universal solution for various devices. They retain their performance qualities after prolonged exposure to sea and fresh water, in contact with inert gases, and in media with a temperature range from -60 to +80 °C.

• Food-grade — used for manufacturing gaskets, seals and conveyor belts in contact with food products. They comply with the highest sanitary requirements.

• Vacuum — intended for sealing joints in devices operated in vacuum at temperatures from +8 to +70 °C.

Moulded RTP include cuffs, oil seals, sealing rings, vibration isolators, shock absorbers, bellows and expansion joints. Multifunctional RTP include asphalt pavement shoes, obturating-support belts of axial and radial compression, some bellows and expansion joints.

Rubber-textile products — hoses, V-belts, airbags, conveyor belts, linings and many other parts without which no automobile or other vehicle can operate.

Rubber-metal products — include vibration isolators, shock absorbers, plain bearings and other parts combining the elasticity of rubber with the strength of metal.

Applications of RTP

RTP are used in various industries where high strength, resistance to chemicals and durability are required.

Oil and gas industry. RTP ensure the tightness of pipelines, pumping systems, compressors and other devices. Products made of oil-and-gasoline-resistant rubbers operate in contact with hydrocarbons at high pressures.

Mining industry. RTP protect equipment from aggressive substances, dust, moisture and mechanical damage, and also seal transport systems, pumping and ventilation devices.

Mechanical engineering and automotive industry. RTP are used for sealing joints, protecting against wear and preventing contamination of oils, fuel and other liquids. This is the largest consumption segment for moulded and non-moulded products.

Household appliances. Seals for refrigerators and washing machines, water supply hoses and other products.

Construction and infrastructure. Rubber plates for railway crossings, roofing membranes, waterproofing materials, expansion joints for bridges and tunnels.

Food industry. Conveyor belts made of food-grade rubber grades, gaskets for food production equipment.

Global RTP Market

The global rubber technical products market demonstrates steady growth. In 2025, the rubber products market was valued at USD 409.46 billion, with a projected growth to USD 431.7 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.4%. The narrower industrial rubber products segment was valued at USD 165.48 billion in 2025, with a projected growth to USD 280.76 billion by 2034 (CAGR 6.05%).

The Asia-Pacific region holds a dominant position in the market. In 2024, the region's share was 45%, and in 2025 it is expected to grow to 47%, driven by strong demand from China and India. Europe accounts for about 20% of the market, North America — 18%.

Russian RTP Market

The Russian RTP market largely depends on the state of basic industries and responds quickly to changes in demand from the mechanical engineering, oil and gas, and automotive industries. According to operational data from Rosstat, the volume of RTP production in Russia in 2025 amounted to approximately RUB 274 billion, which is 16% higher than 2024 figures.

However, the market faces challenges: the import share in the RTP segment is 65%, reflecting the persistent dependence on foreign supplies, especially in segments with special rubbers and complex technologies.

State support for the industry in 2025 amounted to more than RUB 6 billion, of which RUB 3.5 billion were provided under the Cluster Investment Platform and about RUB 2.7 billion as preferential loans from the Industrial Development Fund. The focus of the Ministry of Industry and Trade for 2026 is on the production of key raw materials and components, including the aniline chain, organochlorine compounds, organosilicon compounds, sulfur and its derivatives.

Key directions for the industry's development are import substitution, mastering the production of special rubbers and complex technologies, and expanding the product range to strengthen positions in the domestic market.

Conclusion

Rubber technical products (RTP) represent a critically important class of industrial goods providing sealing, vibration isolation, shock absorption and equipment protection in a wide range of industries. The classification of RTP covers a wide range of products — from simple plates and gaskets to complex rubber-textile and rubber-metal structures. The development of the industry in Russia is aimed at import substitution, expanding the production of special rubber grades and strengthening raw material independence. The global RTP market demonstrates sustainable growth, supported by demand from the automotive industry, the oil and gas sector and infrastructure projects.