What is EPDM and its applications?

3 min read

What is EPDM and its applications?

EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is a type of synthetic rubber which can be used in many applications.

EPDM provides superior properties for outdoor and high temperature applications. EPDM has excellent resistance to heat, ozone and sunlight and good resistance to alkalis, acids and oxygenated solvents. Very good temperature flexibility, superior resistance to water and steam.

It is highly extendible and is sulfur and peroxide curable. (http://www.warco.com/sheet-rubber/epdm/)


EPDM has much better resistance to heat, light and ozone than unsaturated rubbers such as natural rubber, SBR or polychloroprene (Neoprene). EPDM can be formulated to be resistant to temperatures as high as 150°C and can be used outside for many years or decades without degradation. EPDM has good low temperature properties, with elastic properties to temperatures as low as -40°C depending on the grade and the formulation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPDM_rubber)

EPDM is generally resistant to Oxidation, Ozone, Sunlight, Abrasion, Fireproof Hydraulic Fluids, Hot and Cold Water, Steam, and Alkalis. It is not compatible with most hydrocarbons, oils, kerosene, gasoline, and halogenated solvents. A complete WARCO® EPDM Chemical Resistance listing can be found at the end of this report and at http://www.warco.com/polymer/epdm/.

EPDM is conformable, impermeable and a good insulator. Solid EPDM rubber is used for sealing and gasketing, as well as membranes and diaphragms. EPDM is often used when a component must prevent fluid flow while remaining flexible. It can also be used to provide cushioning or elasticity. While EPDM has decent tensile strength, its flexibility makes it inappropriate for rigid parts such as gears, shafts, and structural beams. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPDM_rubber)

EPDM is an M-Class rubber under ASTM standard D-1418; the M class comprises elastomers having a saturated chain of the polyethylene type (the M deriving from the more correct term polymethylene). EPDM is made from ethylene, propylene, and a diene comonomer that enables crosslinking via Sulfur vulcanization (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPDM_rubber)

WARCO® also manufactures a Peroxide cured EPDM which provides exceptional heat and aging stability and better compression set performance at higher temperatures. Most peroxides do not bloom and have better color control and stability.

(http://www.warco.com/sheet-rubber/epdm/peroxide-cure-epdm/)

EPDM is used to create weatherstripping, seals on doors for refrigerators and freezers (where it also acts as an insulator), face masks for industrial respirators, glass-run channels, radiators, garden and appliance hose (where it is used as a hose material as well as for gaskets), tubing, washers, O-rings, and electrical insulation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPDM_rubber)

EPDM can be found in many in many automotive applications for door seals, window seals, trunk seals, and sometimes hood seals. Other uses in vehicles include cooling system circuit hoses; water pumps, thermostats, EGR valves, EGR coolers, heaters, oil coolers, and radiators. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPDM_rubber)

WARCO® compounding capabilities include Neoprene, EPDM, Nitrile, Fluorozone® FKM & Genuine Viton®, Natural rubber and Silicone. We also provide custom compounding to meet Military, AMS, SAE, ASTM, NSF, FDA and commercial specifications. All WARCO® products are completely manufactured in the U.S.A.

View more information around applicable Products, Properties, Resistances and recommended Storage Conditions in the full Information Guide.

Written by Warco.