Rubber Process Oil (RPO) is one of the most important raw materials used in rubber product manufacturing - yet it's one of the least understood by procurement teams outside the rubber industry. Whether you're manufacturing tyres, rubber hoses, seals, mats, or footwear, the right RPO grade directly affects your product's performance, processing efficiency, and final mechanical properties.
This guide covers the three main types of Rubber Process Oil used in India, their applications, and what to look for when sourcing RPO in bulk.
What Is Rubber Process Oil?
Rubber Process Oil is a petroleum-derived product used during the compounding and processing of natural and synthetic rubber. It functions as a plasticizer - improving the flow and processability of rubber compounds, aiding filler dispersion, and in some applications, acting as an extender to increase rubber volume while reducing cost.
RPO is used across a wide range of rubber products manufactured in India, including automotive tyres and tubes, conveyor belts, rubber hoses, seals and gaskets, footwear soles, and industrial rubber mats and flooring.
Three Main Types of Rubber Process Oil
1. Aromatic Rubber Process Oil
Aromatic RPO is dark in colour and contains a high proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons. It offers excellent compatibility with natural rubber (NR), Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), and Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) - making it widely used in tyre manufacturing where high rubber solvency is required. However, high-PCA aromatic oils face regulatory restrictions in some markets due to carcinogenic concerns; low-PCA aromatic alternatives are available for export-oriented manufacturers.
2. Paraffinic Rubber Process Oil
Paraffinic RPO is light in colour with a high aniline point and flash point. It is preferred where good aging properties and colour stability are required - commonly used in EPDM rubber products, white or light-coloured rubber goods, and applications where product colour matters. It has lower compatibility with polar rubbers compared to aromatic oil.
3. Naphthenic Rubber Process Oil
Naphthenic RPO sits between aromatic and paraffinic types, offering good thermal stability, colour stability, and moderate rubber solvency. It works well with both natural and synthetic rubbers and is often used where a balance of properties is needed across mixed-rubber compounds.
HP Elasto - Genuine Rubber Process Oil We Supply
HP Elasto Rubber Process Oil range from Hindustan Petroleum (HP), available in aromatic and paraffinic grades. HP Elasto 245 is widely used in Indian rubber manufacturing for its consistent quality and compliance with IS standards. As an authorized HP distributor, Aggarwal Lubricants India supplies genuine HP Elasto Rubber Process Oil in bulk drum quantities to rubber manufacturers across Delhi NCR and pan-India.
How to Choose the Right RPO Grade
The correct RPO grade depends on:
- Rubber polymer type - NR and SBR work well with aromatic RPO; EPDM prefers paraffinic; naphthenic suits mixed compounds
- End product application - High-performance tyres, conveyor belts, and industrial goods each have different requirements
- Colour requirements - Light-coloured or white rubber products require paraffinic or naphthenic oil to avoid darkening
- Regulatory compliance - Export-oriented manufacturers should ensure low-PCA content to meet international safety standards
Why Bulk RPO Sourcing Matters for Rubber Manufacturers
For rubber product manufacturers, RPO is a high-volume input that directly impacts production cost. Bulk drum procurement from a reliable wholesale supplier offers:
- Lower cost per litre compared to small retail purchases
- Consistent grade and quality batch-to-batch
- Reliable supply continuity without production delays
- Technical support on grade selection for specific rubber compounds
Genuine RPO Supply Across India
Aggarwal Lubricants India is a wholesale supplier of genuine Rubber Process Oil, including HP Elasto grades, to rubber manufacturers and industrial buyers across Delhi NCR and pan-India. Based in Rohini, Delhi, we supply in bulk drum quantities with wholesale pricing and reliable delivery schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between aromatic and paraffinic rubber process oil?
Aromatic RPO has high rubber solvency and compatibility with NR and SBR rubbers, making it common in tyre manufacturing. Paraffinic RPO is lighter in colour with better aging properties, preferred for EPDM and light-coloured rubber goods.
Is HP Elasto 245 suitable for tyre manufacturing?
HP Elasto 245 is an aromatic rubber process oil with good compatibility with natural rubber and SBR, commonly used in tyre and automotive rubber component manufacturing.
Do you supply rubber process oil in bulk quantities?
Yes, we supply genuine HP Elasto Rubber Process Oil in bulk drum quantities at wholesale pricing, with delivery across Delhi NCR and pan-India.
What are the IS standards applicable to rubber process oil in India?
Rubber Process Oil in India is typically tested against IS 1866 and related standards for petroleum-based process oils used in rubber compounding applications.
How do I choose between aromatic, paraffinic, and naphthenic RPO?
The choice depends on your rubber polymer type, end product colour requirements, and regulatory compliance needs. Our team can guide grade selection based on your specific rubber compound and application.