Comparison of Silicone and EPDM Profiles – Technical Properties and Applications
Sealing profiles are flexible extruded rubber components widely used in various industrial sectors. They are applied for sealing, cushioning, insulation, and protection. Selecting the appropriate material for the production of different profile types is crucial for operational safety, durability, and system performance. An unsuitable sealing material may lead to premature failure and high operating costs.
Silicone (VMQ MVQ) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer) are the two most popular materials used in the production of profiles in the rubber products industry. Both elastomers offer a range of unique properties and advantages that determine their areas of application.
In the following part of the article, Power Rubber – manufacturer of rubber profiles – taking into account the environmental conditions to which the seals will be exposed, will indicate situations in which it is advisable to choose silicone rubber instead of EPDM rubber and vice versa.
Comparison of Silicone and EPDM Profiles – Technical Properties
Temperature Resistance
Silicone
Silicone profiles are characterized by high resistance to both low and high temperatures. In extreme temperatures, it is difficult to find a better solution than a silicone sealing profile. The product maintains its flexibility within a temperature range from -60°C to +300°C (depending on the compound formulation, even higher values are possible). Thermal stability makes specialist silicone profiles from Power Rubber ideal for applications involving rapid temperature fluctuations or extremely high or low temperatures.
EPDM
EPDM profiles exhibit high resistance to weather conditions, ozone, and UV radiation, making them suitable for outdoor applications. EPDM rubber retains its flexibility within a wide temperature range from -40°C to +120°C.
Compared to silicone elastomers, EPDM rubber has limited resistance to high temperatures. Therefore, high-quality silicone seals are a better choice in environments exposed to extreme temperatures. They retain their flexibility and performance even during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Chemical Resistance
Silicone
Standard silicone profiles are characterized by excellent resistance to numerous chemicals, including oils, greases, brake fluids, acids, and alkalis. They also possess excellent insulating properties. Silicone seals are a popular choice in medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, as well as in environments requiring durability under demanding conditions, high sterility, and chemical cleanliness.
EPDM
EPDM rubber profiles exhibit high stability in contact with water, steam, and ozone. They offer good resistance to acids, alkalis, and phosphate esters. EPDM seals are also resistant to corrosive environments. Due to their limited resistance to oils and fuels – significantly lower than silicone – this material is not recommended for applications exposed to aggressive chemicals and lubricants.
The use of silicone rubber profiles is more advantageous in applications requiring higher chemical resistance. This enables the use of specialist silicone profiles in various industrial sectors operating in demanding environments.
Flexibility, Durability, and Mechanical Strength
Silicone
Silicone profiles provide high resistance to degradation and ageing caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation, ozone, and weather conditions. Silicone retains its flexibility and mechanical strength even under extremely variable temperatures. Silicone seals maintain their shape under pressure, ensuring reliable sealing performance.
EPDM
EPDM rubber exhibits excellent resistance to weather conditions and UV radiation, making it ideal for outdoor use. EPDM rubber seals are resistant to abrasion, tearing, and water. Compared to silicone profiles, EPDM seals are characterized by lower flexibility and shorter service life. Mechanical properties deteriorate under extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Specialist silicone profiles maintain higher flexibility and durability across a broad temperature range under demanding operating conditions.
Hygienic Properties and Compliance with Standards
Silicone
Specialist silicone profiles are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. FDA-certified or BfR-compliant silicone is a biocompatible material, meaning it does not release substances harmful to the body, does not cause allergies or inflammation, and may therefore be used in direct contact with food. Silicone rubber profiles are widely used in applications where product safety and hygiene are critical, such as the medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.
EPDM
EPDM rubber exhibits high resistance to weather conditions and suitable mechanical resistance to abrasion and tearing, making it suitable for outdoor and industrial applications. The material is not commonly used in hygienic applications.
The use of FDA-approved technical rubbers is particularly valued in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries for the production of various profiles and seals. Silicone seals are resistant to extreme temperatures, sterilization, and chemicals. The material does not emit undesirable odours. Silicone rubber profiles adapt to complex machinery and equipment. They outperform various EPDM profiles (solid rubber profiles, porous EPDM seals, so-called sponge profiles) in environments requiring strict compliance with sanitary standards.
Weather Resistance
Silicone
Standard silicone profiles are resistant to adverse weather conditions and degradation caused by environmental factors such as ozone and UV radiation. Silicone seals are suitable for outdoor applications.
EPDM
EPDM rubber performs well in applications exposed to UV radiation, ozone, and weather ageing. Compared to silicone, EPDM exhibits lower resistance during prolonged exposure to sunlight and changing weather conditions.
Silicone seals provide greater operational durability in applications requiring long-term weather resistance.
Table 1. Comparison of Physical Properties of Silicone and EPDM Profiles
| Physical Properties | Silicone Profiles | EPDM Profiles |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, greases, brake fluids, as well as weak acids and alkalis | Not recommended for operation in environments exposed to aggressive chemicals and lubricants |
| Flexibility | Very high flexibility | Lower flexibility compared to silicone |
| Temperature Resistance | From -60°C to +300°C | From -40°C to +120°C |
| Abrasion Resistance | Low abrasion resistance | High abrasion resistance |
| Heat Resistance | Very high resistance to prolonged exposure to high temperatures | Limited resistance to high temperatures |
| Weather Resistance | Very high resistance to UV, ozone, and weather conditions | High resistance to UV radiation and weather conditions |
| Hygienic Properties and Compliance with Standards | Suitable for environments requiring strict compliance with sanitary standards | Not commonly used in hygienic applications |
Comparison of Silicone and EPDM Profiles – Applications
Silicone and EPDM rubber profiles are commonly used as sealing and protective elements in industrial applications. Both materials possess unique properties and advantages that determine their use across different industrial sectors.
Silicone profiles are primarily used in applications where extreme temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, and hygienic cleanliness are critical.
Typical applications of silicone profiles:
- food industry
- pharmaceutical industry
- medical sector and laboratory technology
- energy and electronics industries
- applications requiring resistance to steam, hot water, and sterilization
- equipment operating in high-cleanliness environments, so-called clean rooms
EPDM rubber profiles perform exceptionally well in outdoor applications requiring excellent abrasion and tear resistance.
Typical applications of EPDM profiles:
- construction industry
- automotive and transportation industries
- HVAC systems
- railway and machinery industries
- aluminium and PVC joinery systems
Manufacturer of Rubber and Silicone Profiles – Power Rubber
Power Rubber is a specialized manufacturer of rubber and silicone profiles. Thanks to industry expertise and many years of experience, we deliver solutions for a wide range of technical rubber applications in industry.
Our offer includes both standard silicone profiles and specialist silicone seals manufactured for high resistance to temperature, aggressive chemicals, and intensive operating conditions.
We provide professional manufacturing of seals and profiles with specific technical parameters tailored to individual environmental requirements. We also offer rubber products made from elastomers such as fluorocarbon rubber (Viton/FKM), NBR rubber, SBR rubber, and others. Our seals are used in the automotive, food processing, technical installation, transportation, and construction industries.
To discuss technical parameters suited to a specific application, please contact us by phone at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, by email (Power@PowerRubber.com), or via our contact form.