Rubber materials are pretty widespread across numerous industries and many applications. However, not all rubber is made equal, and some rubber compounds are more specialized than others.  

In this guide, we’ll discuss EPDM rubber, what it is, where it’s used, and what are the benefits that have contributed to the material’s popularity as the material of choice for many projects. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.  

What is EPDM Rubber? 

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, also known as EPDM, is a type of synthetic rubber material most commonly used for outdoor applications and applications in more extreme environments, mostly due to its electrical resistance, thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion.  

Its excellent weather resistance is derived from its polymers, making it a very durable, flexible, and versatile synthetic rubber. Its exceptional material properties allow it to replace natural rubber materials in numerous applications.  

EPDM Rubber Properties 

EPDM rubber has exceptional material properties, meaning it is capable of withstanding a wide temperature range, including both high temperatures and low temperatures, with good ozone resistance and excellent resistance to electricity. It also has fantastic mechanical properties because it has high tensile strength, good elastic properties, and great tear resistance. 

However, EPDM is not without its downsides. The EPDM material doesn’t really have a fantastic chemical resistance. It’s unable to resist oils and grease, certain types of solvents, hydrocarbon fuels, and strong acids. Despite reasonably good resistance to low temperatures, extremely low temperatures (such as those below -40°C) will make the EPDM rubber brittle.  

Still, it’s a fantastic material that doesn’t bloom or degrade when exposed to a range of cycling temperatures and weather elements and could last for decades if properly taken care of. Roofing, as one of the applications, is a testament to the material’s resistance, considering that most roofing made from EPDM lasts anywhere between 20 and 30 years. Manufacturing-wise, it’s fantastic for injection, compression, or transfer molding.  

What is EPDM Rubber Used For? 

Thanks to exceptional material properties, such as good tear resistance, high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and good working temperature range, EPDM materials are very desirable in numerous industries with a wide range of applications. Some of the most common uses for EPDM include:  

Roofing membranes: Roofing membrane applications in flat and low-slope roofing systems are one of the most prevalent uses of EPDM rubber. The material’s good weather resistance properties make it an excellent choice for roofing materials in both commercial and residential settings.  

Automotive industry: Thanks to its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and maintain its flexibility in cold weather, ozone resistance, and resistance to UV degradation, EPDM is extensively used by the automotive industry. Many vehicle components, such as door seals, window seals, and trunk seals, weather-stripping, are made of EPDM. The same applies to brake system components.  

Seals and gaskets: EPDM's water resistance makes the material ideal for waterproofing, especially when it comes to outdoor seals, o-rings, and gaskets in various applications. This also includes door and window seals, the production of pool liner materials, and extensive use by the HVAC industry. 

Tubes and hoses Thanks to its heat resistance and flexibility, this elastomer is often used for radiator hoses, garden hoses, and certain types of tubing.  

Electrical insulation: EPDM’s dielectric properties, or its resistance to conducting electricity, make it an excellent insulator, suitable for various electrical applications, including wire and cable insulation. This is particularly true for powering thermal elements, whose cables are typically insulated using EPDM insulation due to the material’s high-temperature resistance.  

Vibration dampening: Thanks to its elasticity and good tear resistance, EPDM has found its use across various industries as a vibration-dampening material. As such, you’re most likely to find it as footpads under various heavy machinery, as bumpers at doors, and as shock absorbers at loading docks. 

Benefits of EPDM Rubber 

The benefits provided by the EPDM rubber mostly depend on the application in which the material is used. However, there are some universal benefits that EPDM offers across the board. For example, the material exhibits outstanding resistance to ozone, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions. 

It can also endure a wide range of temperatures, and its working temperature ranges from -51°C up to 150°C (-59.8°F to 302°F). it can tolerate slightly higher temperatures for a short period of time, depending on the formulation.  

The material is inherently waterproof, which makes it a popular choice among engineers, technicians, and builders for applications in which water resistance is crucial. However, it’s worth noting that it isn’t resistant to all chemicals, only polar fluids such as water, alkalis, some acids, and certain ketones. Unfortunately, it doesn’t resist oils, strong acids, and carbon fuels.  

EPDM is also relatively low-maintenance thanks to its resistance to various environmental factors. It could benefit from occasional dusting and diligent oil removal, but with proper installation and maintenance, it can potentially last several decades.  

This makes EPDM very cost-effective. While the material is generally inexpensive compared to most specialized rubbers, its long lifespan and recyclability make EPDM a popular choice in large-scale applications.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about EPDM rubber:  

• What is the best glue for EPDM rubber?  
  • The best adhesive for bonding EPDM rubber is either specialized glue or contact cement. These adhesives are formulated to provide strong bonds that can withstand the properties and conditions that EPDM rubber may be exposed to. 
• What is EPDM rubber roofing? 
  • EPDM rubber roofing refers to roofing membranes made from EPDM. These membranes are predominantly used on flat or low-sloped roofs. 
• How to cut EPDM rubber 
  • EPDM rubber can be cut using a standard utility knife or specialized roofing scissors. Ensure that you’re using a sharp blade to get a clean cut. 

Summary 

EPDM is a synthetic rubber material with exceptional mechanical and electrical properties, good weather resistance, and reasonable chemical resistance. If you want to learn more about EPDM, visit Reid Supply and check out the company’s extensive download library of professional literature and engineering handbooks.