EPDM Rubber - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber

EPM rubber is formed in the coordination copolymerization reaction of ethylene and propylene. This rubber is characterized by a 55-60% ethylene content and a 40-45% propylene content. EPM molecules do not contain double bonds, so sulfur is not used in the vulcanization process. The appropriate properties are achieved in the vulcanization process using peroxides. EPM material is a synthetic elastomer product.

What does the abbreviation EPM mean?

Ethylene-propylene rubber is known as EPM, but it can also be referred to as EPR. Its variant is EPDM rubber. These include biopolymers of ethylene with propylene and terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and diene. In EPDM molecules, double bonds are isolated.

EPM rubber is a highly regarded material, primarily due to its properties. It is resistant to heat, remains stable when operating in an oxygen environment – it does not oxidize. It is resistant to ozone and, thanks to the stable molecular structure, remains undamaged in varying atmospheric conditions. It is also valued for the color stability of the rubber. EPM is resistant to temperatures of 130 and 160 degrees Celsius when pre-cured with peroxides. It is resistant to tearing, abrasion, and exhibits adequate elasticity. It is non-conductive and can be used as an insulator.

Polymers of this rubber are used in the automotive industry for seals and insulation. It also performs excellently as protection and sealing for radiators, garden hoses, roof tiles, and technical rubber products. It is frequently used as a high-voltage cable insulator. Thanks to the material's flexibility, it is useful where cable movement is observed, such as in the mining industry.

Due to its resistance to mineral oils, EPM can also be used in the presence of engine oils. EPM seals are resistant to atmospheric conditions, making them widely used in construction and in the presence of certain chemicals. It works well as a material for the production of acid-resistant hoses.

Like any rubber compound, EPM compound also has its chemical resistance. And in this way, it shows chemical resistance to:

• acetone
• acetylene C2H2
• methanol
• aniline
• nitrogen
• sodium nitrate
• calcium nitrate
• zinc chloride
• sodium phosphate
• hydrocyanic acid
• acetic acid
• vinegar
• silicone oils
• brine
• salty water - seawater

The choice of EPDM rubber curing method depends on the final application of the material. EPDM rubber can be cured (vulcanized) using peroxides or sulfur. Each of these methods has its unique properties and advantages. EPDM cured with peroxides provides excellent thermal resistance (withstanding temperatures up to 150°C) and chemical resistance compared to sulfur-cured compounds. The material has a lower compression set, making it ideal for applications requiring long-term shape retention and flexibility under load (compression set). Peroxide curing improves thermal stability, resulting in better resistance to aging, hot water, and steam (up to 200°C). During peroxide vulcanization, EPDM rubber better retains its color. Advantages include no dye migration, metal or PVC staining, more stable color, and reduced tendency to create blooms on the surface. The properties of EPDM cured with peroxides make it perfect for various applications in the food industry, automotive industry, HVAC systems, and applications requiring durability at high temperatures and chemical resistance. EPDM cured with sulfur provides higher mechanical strength. It has higher tear and tensile strength, allowing for a wider range of fillers to customize the material based on specific needs. Sulfur vulcanized EPDM provides thermal resistance up to 120°C, making it suitable for general applications. EPDM vulcanized with sulfur is well-suited for applications requiring mechanical strength and flexibility.

In our offer you will find high-quality EPDM products cured with both peroxide and sulfur, including:

• EPDM o-rings
• solid EPDM cords
• porous EPDM cords
• EPDM technical sheets
• solid EPDM gaskets
• self-adhesive EPDM foam rubber gaskets, also with EN 45545-2 railway standard

Our rubber products are characterized by reliability and durability. They work perfectly in various general and industrial applications. We manufacture both standard products and fulfill custom orders according to the customer's technical documentation. Many of our products are available in our regular offer.