Rubber Process Oil

July 23, 2019
5 minutes

What is Rubber Process Oil?

Rubber process oil is a substance made of oil or other types of fossil fuels. This oil product is broadly categorized into two main categories.

First, Synthetic RPO

Synthetic RPO is manufactured in industrialized countries such as Brazil, which has the privilege in the RPO industry, among others.

Second, Natural RPO

Natural RPO is predominantly obtained in Southeast Asia.

RPO (Rubber Process Oil) is divided into 3 types as below:

Rubber oil

Rubber Process Oil different types have two general grades: Heavy and Light.

The RPO grading is based on its viscosity. Rubber Process Oils with the viscosity of 20 to 30 are considered as light (low viscosity) grade.

Rubber Process Oils with a viscosity of 30 to 50 are titled as heavy (high viscosity) grade.

Light RPO grade is suitable for cold seasons and regions. On the contrary, heavy RPO grade is appropriate for the hot season and climate.

As a positive point of RPO, Rubber Process Oil is safe and environment-friendly.

Infinity Galaxy can provide high-quality Rubber Process Oil in any type and grade. Infinity Galaxy can also supply Treated Distillate Extracted Solvent (TDAE) for Korea market with a proper price.

Rubber Process Oil Uses

As an overall notion of the RPO application, about 2/3 of this product is applied in tire industries, and the rest is devoted to non-tire industries.

None tire industries in which RPO is used

  • Hoses
  • Conveyor belts
  • Paints and coatings
  • Sponge rubber
  • Latex products
  • Rubber tiles


Aromatic RPO Usage

Tires, lactic, automotive tires and tubes, bicycle tires, tire re-treading materials, belting, hoses, battery casings and containers, extruded products, technical molded goods and rubber articles with reclaim rubber due to high solvency.

Process Oil ( furfural extract ) has color stability,  solubility, and thermal stability which make RPO ideal for molded articles, slippers, LPG tubes, floor tiles, etc.


Paraffinic RPO

This type of RPO, supplied by Infinity Galaxy, is well known for its viscosity. As the chain length increases, the viscosity increases.

It is extensively being used in Butyl rubbers.


Naphthenic RPO

Naphthenic RPO is a series of hydrocarbons which is also referred to as cycloparaffins.

It has a unique color and thermal stability and solubility. These mentioned items make the RPO suitable for being used in molded articles, slippers, LPG tubes, floor tiles, etc.


According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) report:

  • A typical passenger tire weighs about 11.5 kg which contains
  • 1.5 kg of natural rubber
  • 3 kg of synthetic rubber
  • 3 kg black carbon
  • 1.5 kg steel tire cord and bead wire


A truck tire weighs about 54.5 kg which contains

  • 14.5 kg of natural rubber
  • 7.5 kg of synthetic rubber
  • 15 kg of black carbon
  • 7.5 kg steel tire cord and bead wire


Chain Supply of RPO
Basic earth extracted materials ∞Refineries, Manufacturers of Rubber process oilEnd-Use Industries Operating in the Rubber process oil Supply Chain
Rubber Mixing ProcessTire, Footwear, Wire & cable coverings, Flooring material,  Others
Mixed Rubber Compounds for Making Rubber ProductsTraders and Suppliers of Rubber process oil


An introduction to  RPO specifications

Kinematic Viscosity Test

Kinematic viscosity of RPO at 100c ranges from 10 to 70. The most preferable viscosity ranges from 30 to 60. If the viscosity is lower than 10, the ordinary properties of a vulcanized rubber decrease. Viscosity rate higher than 70, indicates that the process ability and operability in blending with rubber are poor. The kinematic viscosity is reported by ASTM D 445.

Flash Point Test

RPO flash point ranges between 170c and 250c depending on the type.

The desired point is 210c. Low flashpoint increases the risk of flammability.

RPO flashpoint is indicated by ASTM D 92.

RPO Density Test

The normal density of RPO is between 0.870- 0.970 g/cm3.

The desired density is 0.900 to 0.960 g/cm3.

RPO density is reported by ASTM D4052.

Aniline Point in RPO

The lowest temperature at which oil and aniline dissolve in each other proportionately is called aniline Point of the oil. The aromatic proportion can be estimated by the aniline point. The more aromatic portion causes the less aniline point.  Aniline point is measured by ASTM D611.


Heavy RPO

Heavy RPO Specification
Typical PropertiesUnitTest MethodTypical Properties
TypesHeavy RPO
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °CcstASTM D-445Min. 35
Density @ 100 °Cgr/cm3ASTM D12981.05
Flash Point°CASTM D92
ASTM D93200-230
Aniline Point°CASTM D611
Refractive IndexASTM D12181.56
VGCASTM D-2501
PCA%WtIP-346
Oil TypeAromatic


Light RPO

Light RPO Specification
Typical PropertiesUnitTest MethodTypical Properties
TypesLight RPO
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °CcstASTM D-445Min. 35
Density @ 100 °Cgr/cm3ASTM D12981.05
Flash Point°CASTM D92
ASTM D93200-230
Aniline Point°CASTM D611
Refractive IndexASTM D12181.55
VGCASTM D-2501
PCA%WtIP-346
Oil TypeAromatic


RPO Market Share

RPO Market Share
Country Name Most Used RPO Grade
IndiaHeavy
MalaysiaLight
VietnamHeavy
ChinaHeavy & Light
DubaiHeavy & Light
KoreaLight
TurkeyHeavy & Light
TaiwanLight
IraqHeavy & Light
MyanmarHeavy & Light
IndonesiaLight


The global RPO market seems to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% during 2013-2023. Overall demand for RPO is expected to grow, while DAE demand is expected to fall since more countries adopt regulations. Asia has the highest rubber consumption; moreover, it is the largest RPO market in the world.

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