EPDM
Material Type
Rubber
Material Full Name
Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, Compression Molding
Basic Properties
Property |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer | Diene (ENB/DCPD) provides crosslinking sites |
| Molecular Structure | Saturated non-polar backbone | No double bonds (except in diene) → excellent ozone resistance |
| Density | 0.85~0.90 g/cm³ | Lightest general-purpose rubber (lighter than water) |
| Color | White to light gray (fully colorable) | Doesn’t require carbon black reinforcement |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| – Tensile Strength | 10-25 MPa (unfilled)/15-35 MPa (filled) | Reinforced strength approaches NR |
| – Elongation at Break | 300-600% | Excellent elasticity (rebound: 60-75%) |
| – Compression Set | 15-30% (100℃×22h) | Peroxide curing reduces to <10% |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| – Service Temperature | -50℃~150℃ (short-term 180℃) | Superior long-term heat resistance vs most rubbers |
| – Low-Temp Flexibility | Tg as low as -60℃ | Remains flexible when frozen |
| Chemical Properties | ||
| – Ozone Resistance | No protective wax needed (>1000h @ 500pphm ozone) | Outdoor service life >20 years |
| – Chemical Resistance | Resists acids/alkalis/water/alcohols; swells in oils/aromatics | Avoid gasoline/toluene |
Processing Characteristics
Mastication Optional:
- Mooney viscosity ML(1+4)125℃: 40-80 (directly mixable)
Curing Systems:
- Sulfur vulcanization (1-2 phr sulfur + accelerators M/TMTD)
- Peroxide curing (better heat resistance)
Molding Processes:
- Compression (160-180℃×5-10 mins)
- Extrusion (die temp: 80-100℃)
Common Application Areas
-
Automotive: Window seals, wiper blades
-
Construction: Roofing membranes, bridge expansion joints
-
Electrical: HV cable insulation, transformer gaskets
-
Industrial: Heat-resistant conveyor belts, chemical tank linings
EPDM Modified Types
Type |
Diene Type |
Characteristics |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENB-EPDM | Ethylidene norbornene | Fast curing, high heat resistance | Automotive seals, radiator hoses |
| DCPD-EPDM | Dicyclopentadiene | Better flow, lower cost | Wire/cable insulation |
| High-Ethylene EPDM | – | High stiffness/tear resistance | Waterproof membranes, industrial mats |
| Oil-Extended EPDM | – | Low hardness (Shore A 40-60) | Toys, flexible tubing |
| Flame-Retardant EPDM | – | UL94 V0 (alumina trihydrate/brominated) | Subway cable sheaths |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Best weatherability (>20 years outdoor) | Poor adhesion (needs primers) |
| Exceptional heat/aging resistance | Poor oil resistance (unsuitable for fuel contact) |
| Superior electrical insulation (>10¹⁵ Ω·cm) | Lower strength than NR (requires fillers) |
Other Elastomer & Rubber Material Selection
NR Rubber
PU Rubber
IIR Rubber
FKM Rubber
TPU Rubber
FAQ Of EPDM Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
What is EPDM rubber?
EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber copolymerized from ethylene, propylene and a diene monomer, renowned for its excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance and heat resistance, widely used in construction sealing, automotive components and wire/cable applications.
What are the key characteristics of EPDM rubber?
Key features include outstanding weather/chemical resistance (to acids and alkalis), excellent electrical insulation properties, wide operating temperature range (-50℃ to 150℃), but relatively poor oil resistance.
What are the common applications of EPDM rubber?
It is mainly used in automotive weatherstripping, building waterproofing materials, HVAC system seals, wire/cable insulation and industrial rubber products.