What is the difference between rubber handles and plastic handles in terms of durability

What is the difference between rubber handles and plastic handles in terms of durability

There are many differences between rubber handles and plastic handles in terms of durability. The following are the specific situations:

Wear resistance
Rubber handles: Natural rubber has good elasticity and wear resistance, and can resist normal wear well, but when it comes into contact with oils, chemicals, etc., it may swell, crack, etc., affecting wear resistance. However, some rubbers that have been specially treated or mixed with other materials, such as high-elastic rubber commonly used in dumbbell handles, will have improved wear resistance.
Plastic handles: Different types of plastics have different wear resistance. Ordinary plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene have relatively poor wear resistance and are prone to scratches and wear during friction. Engineering plastics such as ABS and nylon have better wear resistance and can resist a certain degree of friction and wear. They are often used to make handles that require certain wear resistance.

Aging resistance
Rubber handles: Natural rubber is easy to age. Under the action of light, oxygen, heat, etc., it will become hard, brittle, crack, etc., affecting its service life. However, the anti-aging properties of synthetic rubber and rubber that has undergone special anti-aging treatment will be significantly improved, and they can adapt to more complex environmental conditions.
Plastic handle: The anti-aging properties of plastic handles vary depending on the material. Generally, plastics will age under the influence of light, oxygen, etc., which will show discoloration, brittleness, etc. However, some engineering plastics that have been modified or added with anti-aging agents can effectively improve the anti-aging properties and extend the service life.

Deformation resistance
Rubber handle: Rubber has good elasticity and will deform when subjected to external force, but it can return to its original shape when the external force is removed. However, under long-term pressure or high force, permanent deformation may occur, affecting the shape and performance of the handle.
Plastic handle: Plastics have good deformation resistance, especially some plastics with higher hardness. Under normal use conditions, they are not easy to deform and can maintain the shape and dimensional stability of the handle. However, some plastics may deform at high temperatures or under large external impacts.

Environmental resistance
Rubber handle: Natural rubber is not oil-resistant and corrosion-resistant. It is easily corroded, swelled or loses elasticity in chemical environments such as acid and alkali and oil environments. Some special rubbers such as nitrile rubber have good oil and corrosion resistance and can be used in specific harsh environments.
Plastic handle: The environmental resistance of plastics varies depending on the material. Some plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene have excellent chemical corrosion resistance and can be used in harsh environments such as strong acids and alkalis. Ordinary plastics have relatively poor chemical corrosion resistance and may be corroded by certain chemicals.