EPDM Rubber
What is EPDM Rubber?
EPDM rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber is synthetic rubber with high density. It is an ideal roofing material as well as many other outdoor, HVAC, automotive and industrial applications. EPDM also exhibits mechanical properties found in both natural rubber and synthetic rubber. Furthermore, EPDM materials are far less costly and more durable than silicone materials. As a result, EPDM products last for much longer periods of time, saving you money on replacements.
EPDM is a uniquely versatile, general purpose rubber. However, it should not be used in applications involving contact with petroleum products, food-based applications or applications with continuous exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons.
Read more below for advantages and properties of EPDM rubber:
Advantages of EPDM
- EPDM offers exception resistance to UV, ozone, weathering, aging and various chemicals
- Ideal for outdoor applications
- Offers stability in extreme high and low temperatures
- Resistance to water and steam
- Low electrical conductivity
- Versatility allowing for use in many industries and applications
- Durability and longevity for continuous use
- Less costly than silicone
Properties of EPDM Rubber
- ASTM D-2000 Classification AA, BA, CA (Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive Applications)
- Chemical Definition: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
- Abbreviations: EP, EPR, EPT, EPDM
Processing
- Transfer Molding
- Injection Molding
- Compression Molding
Physical & Mechanical Properties
- Durometer: 30 – 90 Shore A
- Tensile Strength: 500 – 2,500 PSI
- Elongation (Range %): 100% – 700%
- Abrasion Resistance: Good
- Adhesion to Metal: Good – Excellent
- Adhesion to Rigid Materials: Good – Excellent
- Compression Set: Poor – Excellent
- Flex Cracking Resistance: Good
- Impact Resistance: Very Good
- Resilience & Rebound: Fair – Good
- Tear Resistance: Fair – Good
- Vibration Dampening: Fair – Good
Chemical Resistance
- Dilute Acids: Excellent
- Concentrated Acids: Excellent
- Organic Acids (Dilute): Excellent
- Organic Acids (Concentrated): Fair – Good
- Inorganic Acids: Excellent
- Alcohols: Good – Excellent
- Aldehydes: Good – Excellent
- Dilute Alkalies: Excellent
- Concentrated Alkalies: Excellent
- Amines: Fair – Good
- Animal & Vegetable Oils: Good
- Non-Petroleum Based Brake Fluids: Good – Excellent
- Diester Oils: Poor
- Alkyl Phosphate Esters: Excellent
- Aryl Phosphate Esters: Excellent
- Ethers: Fair
- Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Fuel: Poor
- Aromatic Hydrocarbon Fuel: Poor
- Extended Fuel (Oxygenated): Poor
- Halogenated Solvents: Poor
- Halogenated Hydrocarbon: Poor
- Ketones: Good – Excellent
- Lacquer Solvents: Poor
- LP Gases & Fuel Oils: Poor
- Mineral Oils: Poor
- Oil Resistance: Poor
- Aromatic Petroleum: Poor
- Non-Aromatic Petroleum: Poor
- Ammonia Refrigerant: Good
- Halofluorocarbons Refrigerant: R-12, R-13
- Halofluorocarbons Refrigerant with Oil: Poor
- Silicone Oil: Excellent
- Solvent Resistance: Poor
Thermal Properties
- Low Temperature Range: -60ºF to -40ºF
- Minimum for Continuous Use (Static): -60ºF
- Brittle Point: -70ºF
- High Temperature Range: +220ºF to +300ºF
- Maximum for Continuous Use (Static): +300ºF
Environmental Performance
- Colorability: Good – Excellent
- Flame Resistance: Poor
- Gas Permeability: Fair – Good
- Odor: Good
- Ozone Resistance: Good – Excellent
- Oxidation Resistance: Excellent
- Radiation Resistance: Good – Excellent
- Steam Resistance: Excellent
- Sunlight Resistance: Excellent
- Taste Retention: Good – Excellent
- Weather Resistance: Excellent
- Water Resistance: Excellent
Applications of EPDM Rubber
Rubber Roofing
- RV roofing
- Roof membranes
- Roof coatings
HVAC
- Gaskets and seals
- Compressor Grommets
- Drain tubes
- Pressure switch tubing
Automotive
- Weather stripping and seals
- Hydraulic brake systems
- Door seals, window seals and trunk seals
- Harnesses (Wire and cable)
- Window spacers
Industrial
- O-rings and hoses (water systems)
- Tubing, grommets, and belts
- Electrical insulation
Caution:
- DO NOT use EPDM rubber in applications involving continuous contact with petroleum-based products.
- EPDM rubber is NOT RECOMMENDED for use in applications involving exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons.