Nitrile Rubber and PVC materials are some of the most popular options when it comes to selecting a quality anti-fatigue mat. With so many options available, how do you choose which mat material is right for your application?
Nitrile Rubber Mats
Nitrile rubber is a synthetic material with the advantage of being resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals. This matting offers durable and flexible flooring options, has superior slip resistance, is Prop 65 compliant, and is best used in high-use, heavy-traffic areas.
Thanks to its versatility, this flooring option can be used in a variety of applications and industries. These mats are particularly popular in environments with machines utilizing oils or solvents common in industrial and food processing settings. Nitrile rubber mats are also ESD compatible making them suitable for cleanrooms.
Here is a list of some other industries in which nitrile rubber mats are used:
- Labs or Pharmaceuticals
- Automotive
- Aerospace
PVC Mats
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic polymer of plastic available to produce rigid and flexible products. Mats made from this material provide cost-effective flooring options, especially in environments where rubber matting is not appropriate. PVC is an excellent economically-sound material that provides fatigue release for workers spending long hours on their feet.
PVC mats are compatible with a variety of environments including commercial, lab, retail, and industrial settings under workstations. These mats are best used in light to medium-use locations.
How They Stack Up
What do the two mat types look like when stacked against each other? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of nitrile rubber vs PVC mats.
| Nitrile Rubber | PVC | |
|---|---|---|
| Durable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chemical-Resistant | ✓ | ✓* |
| ESD-Safe | ✓ | X |
| Slip-Resistant | ✓ | X |
| Corners Stay Flat Over Time | ✓ | X |
| Prop. 65 Compliant | ✓ | X |
| Resists Stains & Discoloration | ✓ | X |
| Safe for Welding | ✓ | X |
| Impact Absorbent | ✓ | X |
| Inexpensive to Recycle | ✓ | X |
| Fire-Resistant | X | ✓ |
| Weather-Resistant | X | ✓ |
| Lightweight | X | ✓ |
| Economical | X | ✓ |
Safety Concerns
In recent years PVC material has been linked to potential health and environmental risks. These risks largely tie into the difficulties related to disposing of PVC products. PVC does not break down when disposed of and releases dangerous gasses when incinerated. The two largest concerns linked to PVC ignition are hydrogen chloride, a corrosive, highly toxic gas, and dioxin, a dangerous man-made carcinogen.
However, due to the resiliency of PVC material, it shows up far less than its alternatives in landfills where it can not break down. Many manufacturers point to the long lifespan of PVC mats when discussing the potential risks that come with them.
Nitrile Rubber or PVC?
In the end, the answer to nitrile rubber vs PVC mats is purely situational. Do the pros of Nitrile Rubber mats outweigh those of PVC? Will PVC mats be a better fit for your working environment? Whichever side of the debate you land on, our experts at PAC are here to help you find your perfect match. Check out some of our recommendations below and get in contact with one of our sales specialists today to learn more.
Hog Heaven Mats
Hog Heaven Mats feature a nitrile top surface that is welding-safe with dissipative capabilities, as well as offering closed-cell and anti-absorbent properties.
Ergomat Smooth
Ergomat Smooth Mats are another great solution that combines the true ergonomics and comfort associated with nitrile rubber mats. This is a durable but less flexible option.
