Chemical Resistance Guide
For more details about chemical resistance, please check our Rubber Chemical Resistance Guide.
EPDM Rubber
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a versatile terpolymer synthetic rubber. EPDM has a high acceptance in the sealing industry due to its wide temperature range, as well as its excellent resistance against ageing and weathering, steam, and a wide range of chemicals.
EPDM is available in general industry types, and also in specific types for industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and potable water.
EPDM Curing Methods
A significant differentiation within the EPDM family lies in its curing system. EPDM can be cured using two primary methods:
- Sulfur cure (SC)
- Peroxide cure (PC), also known as EPDM peroxide cure formulation or simply EPDM peroxide
Peroxide-cured EPDM vs. Sulfur-cured EPDM
Peroxide cured EPDM, often abbreviated as EPDM PC, is known for its temperature and steam resistance compared to sulfur cured EPDM (EPDM SC). The process of peroxide curing of rubber, particularly in the case of EPDM, enhances its chemical and thermal stability.
The differences between both sulfur curing (SC) and peroxide curing (PC) systems are mentioned in the next chapters.
Strengths & Limitations
Temperature Resistance
- Low temperatures: -20/-55°C, depending on the compound
- High temperatures: +80/+130°C for EPDM SC types, and +150/+180°C for EPDM PC types
Chemical & Ageing Resistance
Strengths
- Exceptional resistance to (hot) water and steam, especially in EPDM peroxide cured types
- Resistant to ozone, UV, and sunlight
- Compatible with Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Steam-In-Place (SIP)
- Resistant to vegetable oils, alcohols, ketones, and engine coolants
- Resistant to organic and inorganic acids and bases, alkali, mild acidic, and oxygenated solvents like acetone, MEK, etc.
Limitations
- Not resistant to mineral oils and fats (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, petroleum oil, grease, etc.)
- Less resistant to strong acids and bases
Material Comparison
- EPDM is not resistant to mineral oil and grease
- EPDM provides better high and low temperature resistance
- EPDM has superior chemical resistance
- EPDM offers enhanced steam resistance
- EPDM resists ageing from ozone, UV, and sunlight effectively
- EPDM has significantly less resistance to strong acids and bases
- EPDM offers better resistance to CIP and SIP
- EPDM lacks resistance to mineral oils and greases
- EPDM has lower resistance to high temperatures
- EPDM provides better resistance at low temperatures
- EPDM outperforms CR in resistance to UV, ozone, and sunlight
- EPDM is less resistant to mineral oils and greases
- EPDM exhibits better overall chemical resistance
- EPDM has lower resistance to Freon gases (coolants)
- EPDM SC has lower raw material costs than EPDM PC
- EPDM PC offers superior resistance to temperature and steam than EPDM SC
- EPDM PC often carries more certifications for use in food, pharmaceutical, and drinking water applications
EPDM Compound Overview
Standard Products
General contact ERIKS Group Head Office
Post address
ERIKS NV
P.O. Box 19108
3501 DC Utrecht
The Netherlands
E info@eriks.com
Chamber of Commerce
37 01 32 89
VAT Number
NL003.076.490.B02
