EPM Rubber - Ethylene Propylene Rubber

EPM rubber is produced in a 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 with 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 copolymers of ethylene with propylene and terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene. In EPDM molecules, double bonds are isolated.

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

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

Due to its resistance to mineral oils, EPM can also be used in the presence of engine oils. EPM gaskets are resistant to atmospheric conditions, thus finding wide application in construction and in the presence of specific chemicals. It works well as a material for producing 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
• saltwater - seawater