Common Applications for EPDM Rubber
Uncategorised
October 7, 2019
The first synthetic rubber was developed in 1909 by a team headed by German organic chemist, Fritz Hofmann, working at the Bayer laboratory in Germany. Hofmann and his team succeeded in polymerising isoprene, creating the first synthetic rubber. Despite the invention of synthetic rubber in the early 20th century, natural...
The first synthetic rubber was developed in 1909 by a team headed by German organic chemist, Fritz Hofmann, working at the Bayer laboratory in Germany. Hofmann and his team succeeded in polymerising isoprene, creating the first synthetic rubber.
Despite the invention of synthetic rubber in the early 20th century, natural rubber continued to be widely used until the 1960s to meet the increasingly complex needs of manufacturers. With an increasing need for a rubber material with UV/ozone resistance, combined with elasticity, scientists developed Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, commonly known as EPDM, a synthetic rubber with enhanced properties when compared with natural rubber.
EPDM properties
EPDM rubber features excellent elasticity and resistance to UV rays, ozone and general weathering, as well as an excellent resistance to extreme temperatures (between -40°C and +130°C), making it an ideal material for outdoor applications.
In addition to great weathering properties, EPDM also exhibits good resistance to water-based chemicals and vegetable-based hydraulic oils. However, EPDM should not be exposed to hydrocarbons such as petrol or kerosene, aromatics, or halogenated solvents.
Where EPDM is used
As a result of its useful properties and longevity, EPDM rubber is widely used in a range of applications and industrial sectors. Here are just a few of the common applications:
Automotive
EPDM is weather, UV and ozone resistant, features excellent sealing and noise reduction properties and bonds well with metals. As a result, it is commonly used as a weather sealing material in the automotive industry. EPDM is also a useful material for vibration isolation and is used as a barrier against road surface and engine vibration.
Lighting
The sealing and weather resistant properties combined with UV and ozone stability make EPDM an appropriate material for lighting. It helps to protect lighting components from the ingress of water and dust, helping to prevent damage and reduce the likelihood of costly repair or replacement fees. EPDM is designed to last.
HVAC and Heating
EPDM is used in a wide range of applications in heating, air conditioning and ventilation, for example, compressor grommets, drain tubes, panel gaskets and seals, and pressure switch tubing. EPDM features many benefits for HVAC systems, including:
- Low electrical conductivity
- Water and steam resistance
- Extreme temperature resistance
- Vibration isolation
- Weather, UV and ozone resistance
Roofing
The properties of EPDM mean that it is widely used for roof membranes and coatings, particularly for flat roof systems.
Other Industrial Uses
EPDM rubber is widely used in industry and construction. For example, in water and plumbing systems, common applications include O-rings and hoses. In industrial applications, EPDM is commonly used in tubing, belts, grommets, and electrical insulations.
CB Frost EPDM Products
We keep EPDM rubber sheet material in stock at all times in a range of thicknesses and shore hardness, ensuring fast turnarounds on orders. Please note that we can also provide thicker specifications on request.
Whether you are looking for EPDM sheet or roll material, EPDM gaskets, washers, extrusions, fabrications, mouldings, or EPDM tape, contact the CB Frost sales team today on +44 (0)121 773 8494 for more information.
Keep up to date with the
latest CB Frost & Co news
With our considerable expertise in rubber moulding, we can supply moulded rubber products in most rubber materials to suit any application. Whether you need a prototype, small batches, large-scale production or long running schedules, we can accommodate your requirements. Based in Birmingham, we supply moulded components to customers throughout the UK as well as building […]
In any industrial sector, there is sometimes a need to review your gasket materials and work out if a change in material would be worthwhile. There are many reasons that there may be a desire or need to change gasket materials, for example: The application has changed – if the application that the gaskets are […]
Following the announcement of our expansion and relocation, work is now underway on our new premises. Exterior signage has been installed on the front of the building and internal work will begin imminently. Our new signs display our updated logo, along with our contact details (which will remain the same). In the near future, plant […]
There a lot of different points to consider when designing lighting. Whilst choosing the right lighting and electrical components is no doubt essential, these parts are irrelevant without the right sealing and enclosure materials to protect them. Choosing lighting sealing materials that lack the necessary qualities and properties could lead to a number of problems […]
During June, CB Frost had the opportunity to showcase our range of rail industries on a nationwide tour with the Rail Industry Technology Roadshow. Daniel Brock, Business Development Manager, was our representative throughout the travelling exhibition, presenting our Armaflex® range of materials, including Rail SD, SD-C, ZH and ZH-C insulation foams. After visiting Alstom in […]
Following a successful move to our new premises at Matrix Point, Birmingham, CB Frost are currently working with skeleton staffing to supply essential industries during the coronavirus lockdown. Yesterday, we were contacted by a company manufacturing and supplying protective visors for the NHS. We were asked if we could supply some sponge material for the […]
The rail industry is an ever-evolving sector, none more so than in the UK as the HS2 railway is currently under construction. Technology is advancing to meet the needs of modern rail engineering and CB Frost offer a range of cellular silicones foams to meet the increasing demands for lightweight, compliant materials in the rail […]
To maintain our reputation for excellence in a wide range of industrial sectors, CB Frost is committed to continuous improvement in order to ensure that we provide the highest quality products and services to our customers. Working to the same company ethos of ‘quality without compromise’ for over a century, investing in new equipment is […]