Vulkollan® is manufactured as standard in 90 or 95 Shore A. For specific applications, it is also produced in 80 Shore A.

For comparison:

• Rubber: 25 to 80 Shore A
• Plastics: 55 to 95 Shore A
• Vulkollan: 80–90 Shore A

The optimum mechanical and dynamic properties of Vulkollan® are achieved at a hardness of 90 Shore A.

Vulkollan® 95 Shore A has a load-bearing capacity that is approximately 15% higher than 90 Shore.

Vulkollan® 80 Shore A may be a suitable solution where greater grip on the running surface is required.

Vulkollan® = registered trademark of Covesto

Vulkollan® has high tear resistance. Vulkollan® is resistant to damage from cutting: even surfaces that have been cut into do not tear further, meaning the material remains functional.

Vulkollan® has high elongation, high tensile strength and high stiffness. Vulkollan® 90 Shore A has an elongation of almost seven times its original length.

Plastics and metals: high tensile strength and high stiffness, but low elongation and minimal elasticity.

Rubber: high elongation, but low tensile strength and low stiffness.

Vulkollan® has exceptionally good abrasion resistance and suffers up to half the volume loss due to wear compared to natural rubber. To ensure optimum wear resistance, the temperature must not be too high.

A special surface treatment ensures optimum chemical adhesion to all metal surfaces (cast iron, steel, aluminium, stainless steel, etc.)

Vulkollan® remains elastic and shock-absorbent down to –40°C. At temperatures up to approximately 125°C, most properties are permanently impaired, with the exception of the modulus of elasticity.

Tear resistance, and consequently wear resistance, are significantly reduced at temperatures above 80°C. At temperatures above 125°C, permanent damage to the chemical structure occurs.

Vulkollan® can still be machined, provided that the material’s elastic properties are taken into account. Turning, milling and drilling should only be carried out by technically experienced staff using the correct equipment.

The natural colour of Vulkollan® is yellow-brown. Due to the presence of Desmodur 15 and under the influence of UV light, Vulkollan® turns dark to black.

Colour changes, even if they vary, do not affect the quality.

The breakdown of polyurethanes when in contact with hot water (hydrolysis). In warm and humid conditions, the onset of hydrolysis can be delayed by adding Vulkollan® STABAXOL.

Compared to other polyurethanes, Vulkollan® has very low permanent deformation. As a result, Vulkollan® wheels are less prone to ‘flat spots’ – also known as ‘Monday morning soles’.