What Are You Looking For?
Numerous rubber products abound in the global market, with EPDM rubber standing out as a preferred material for various industrial and construction needs. This versatile rubber type holds a prominent position owing to its outstanding physical and mechanical attributes, making it well-suited for a diverse range of applications.
This discourse aims to delve into the factors driving the widespread demand for EPDM rubber among manufacturers and suppliers. The discussion will illuminate the essential aspects of this material, encompassing its distinctive properties, advantages in commercial usage, and prevalent applications. Continue reading to acquire deeper insights into EPDM, trusting that this exposition enhances your comprehension of this resilient material.
EPDM, an acronym for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, represents a synthetic rubber formed through the amalgamation of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers. This copolymer, a robust combination of these three elements, includes a minor proportion of non-conjugated diene monomer. Approximately 3 to 9% of the overall chemical composition furnishes a crucial cross-linking site for vulcanization. Furthermore, the ethylene content within the chemical composition ranges from 45% to 75%, affording heightened possibilities for filler loading.
Typically, the diene additives encompass 1,4-hexadiene, ethylidene norbornene, or dicyclopentadiene. These terpolymers lend themselves to vulcanization through traditional methods. Depending on the specific grade and formulation, EPDM seals exhibit remarkable resilience, enduring temperatures as low as -50℃ and soaring as high as 150℃. Let us now delve into a detailed exploration of these distinctive properties.
EPDM, known for its versatility, emerges as a synthetic rubber highly acclaimed for its sealing and insulating prowess. Tailoring to diverse product requirements, EPDM rubber exhibits specific properties that make it a preferred choice, especially in construction, HVAC, and manufacturing applications. Subsequent sections will unravel additional applications of EPDM seals.
Rubbers featuring a polymer composition excel in withstanding heat, light, and ozone, with notable examples including neoprene or polychloroprene, SBR, and natural rubber. EPDM seals boast resistance to temperature extremes, spanning from -50ᵒC to 150ᵒC, contingent upon the grade and formulation. This resistance is contingent on the specific grade and formulation, ensuring adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
Impressively, EPDM seals demonstrate resilience under loads ranging from 500 to 2500 PSI or 4Mpa to 25Mpa, resulting in commendable tensile stress. Furthermore, their adaptability extends to polar liquids such as hydraulic fluids, ketones, hot and cold water, and alkalis. Noteworthy is EPDM rubber's role as an electrical insulator, rendering it ideal for the manufacture of electrical equipment and provision of electrical services. The ensuing table succinctly captures the mechanical and thermal properties of EPDM rubbers, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of this material.
Table 1: Mechanical and Thermal Properties of EPDM Rubber
| Hardness | 30 – 90 |
| Tensile stress | 4Mpa to 25Mpa (500 to 2500 PSI) |
| Elongation after fracture in % | ≥ 300% |
| Density | 0.90 to ≥ 2.00 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion coefficient | 160 µm/(m.K) |
| Service temperature (Max) | 150ᵒC |
| Service temperature (Min) | -50ᵒC |
| Glass transition temperature | -54ᵒC |
EPDM provides various beneficial properties. That makes EPDM a quality material for applications requiring durability and miscellaneous resistance. In the following, we have summarized EPDM rubbers’ mechanical and thermal properties. This table will help you understand the fundamentals of this material.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of EPDM Rubber
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Weather Resistance | EPDM rubber, renowned for outstanding weather resistance, finds application in weatherstripping for windows, doors, and large ship containers. It excels in withstanding outdoor aging, ozone, sunshine, moisture, and pollutants. |
| Durability | EPDM seals and gaskets exhibit remarkable durability, withstanding extreme conditions, including high heat. They offer excellent abrasion and tear resistance, contributing to the prolonged lifespan of machine components, surpassing a century under ordinary use. |
| Heat-Resistance | While EPDM rubber may not withstand as high temperatures as some materials like silicone, it remains a preferred choice for stability and heat-related concerns. It can endure temperatures ranging from -50ᵒC to 150ᵒC, ensuring reliability in diverse temperature ranges. |
| Acid Resistance | EPDM rubber stands out for its exceptional durability even when exposed to corrosive substances. EPDM strips in drain hoses provide enhanced protection in extremely acidic environments. The material exhibits intermittent resistance to caustic elements, making it ideal for acid-prone applications. |
| Harmless and Odorless | EPDM rubber, being a synthetic organic rubber with lower toxicity, offers a safe choice for applications involving contact with the human body. It generates minimal odor during formulation, making it suitable for sealing panels, windows, and other human-contact applications. |
| Electric Insulation | EPDM rubber serves as an excellent electric insulator, making it popular in electrical components. EPDM wire exemplifies its use in electrical insulation, with the material maintaining its properties even under high voltage conditions, contributing to enhanced safety measures. |
| Manufacturing Flexibility | EPDM stands out as one of the world's most versatile materials for production. The manufacturing processes, including custom molding, extruding, sheet production, and die cutting, showcase its adaptability. EPDM's diverse densities, including spongy products and various-sized tubes, enhance its manufacturing flexibility. |
We have already mentioned that EPDM rubber is one of the most popular rubber polymers used in various applications. We have also highlighted that EPDM seals can withstand high loads and unfavorable temperatures. These properties make this material suitable for many outdoor applications. Next, we will discuss the most common industries employing EPDM rubber.
In summary, EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a synthetic rubber material celebrated for its outstanding resistance to heat, temperature variations, moisture, light, and sound. Its flame-retardant nature, especially in formulations meeting specific standards, adds to its appeal in various manufacturing sectors, including automotive, HVAC, and construction.
Jinhu Rubber Company is recognized for producing high-quality EPDM seal strips suitable for diverse applications, with decades of experience in the field. Their products, renowned for their reliability, have gained popularity worldwide. For inquiries or information about EPDM products, the Jinhu Rubber Company welcomes you to contact their customer consultancy team, ready to assist with any queries.
If you need anything, please contact us，Customized different size/color/shape products, making molds depending on your samples or drawings. FREE SAMPLES can be sent for your evaluation!
Over 20 years Professional Experience in Auto Accessories Field
IPv6 network supported