Key Uses and Advantages of EPDM Rubber

As experts in rubber, sponge and plastic materials, and their conversion into products for applications in practically all major industries, CB Frost are your point of contact for information on a wide range of materials. We are here to help you make the right choice, picking the material with the properties and strengths to fit your needs. As well as stocking a range of highly specialised materials for certain industries, we also supply an extensive choice of all-round rubber, sponge and foam materials. EPDM rubber is just one of those all-rounders.

tape/strip

What is EPDM?

EPDM Rubber is a synthetic solid rubber made up of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers. The molecular structure of EPDM has a single bond, making it an extremely elastic, durable material with strong resistance properties.

Some of the key properties of EPDM include:

A wide temperature range – it resists temperatures of between -30℃ and +80℃, depending on the grade (-40℃ and +100℃ for LSLT EPDM Rubber).

Weather resistance – it resists ozone and UV rays.

Steam resistance – it is extremely water resistant. This combined with temperature resistance means that it is resistant to steam.

Low electrical conductivity – EPDM is a good insulator against electricity (specific grades)

Tensile strength – it is tear and abrasion resistant, with a good compression set.

Fire resistant – Fire retardant grades are available for applications where this is necessary

Resistance to chemicals – it shows a good resistance to water-based chemicals and vegetable-based hydraulic oils, as well as dilute acids, ketones and alkalis.

With these combined advantages, EPDM is widely used as a lower cost polymer, well suited for use in many different applications. With its temperature resistance and weathering properties, it is well suited for outdoor applications, even in sub-zero conditions and when it comes into contact with very cold materials.

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Let’s look at some of the common uses of EPDM Rubber:

Construction

As an excellent insulator, combined with its weather and waterproof properties, EPDM is commonly used in construction. For many years, it has been used as a major insulating material roofing, particularly flat roofing, however, it is also widely used as a sealant for applications such as door seals, expansion joints, water tanks and pools.

Industrial

As with construction applications, EPDM’s insulating, water and weatherproofing properties, combined with its tensile strength and flexibility, make it a well-suited material for a range of industrial uses. EPDM is commonly used for gaskets, grommets, belts, hoses and O-rings, and for insulators and connectors for electrical wires and cables.

HVAC

EPDM is commonly used in gaskets, seals, tubing, grommets and wide range of other applications in the HVAC industry.

Automotive

Automotive applications of EPDM are very common, as it is a highly flexible material, with good resistance to weathering, high and low temperatures, and hydraulic oils. EPDM is used to make a number of different automotive products, including seals, sealant, brake systems, wire and cable systems, and vehicle weather stripping. It may also be blended or vulcanised with other materials for car rub strips and bumpers.

EPDM moulding