NATURAL and synthetic rubbers of several types are described briefly, together with their suitability for use in modern aircraft under conditions of exposure to high temperature. Application of the several rubber compounds for aircraft components, as affected by strength considerations, stress cycle, exposure to fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, and hot gases is discussed.
The author lucidly states that to achieve speeds of the order of Mach 2.5, either a rubber suitable for service at around 600 F must be developed in the very near future, or aircraft designers shall face the possibility of having to eliminate rubber in aircraft components.