Index

    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.

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    EPDM

    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

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