EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is an elastomer which is characterized by wide range of applications. EPDM rubber is used in vibrators and seals; glass-run channel; radiator, garden and appliance hose; tubing; washers; belts; and electrical insulation. It is also used as a medium for water resistance in high-voltage polymeric cable jointing installations, roofing membrane, geomembranes, rubber mechanical goods, plastic impact modification, thermoplastic, vulcanizates, as a motor oil additive, pond liner, electrical cable-jointing and chainmail applications. EPDM exhibits satisfactory compatibility with fireproof hydraulic fluids, ketones, hot and cold water, and alkalis, and unsatisfactory compatibility with most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and concentrated acids.
| Mechanical Properties | |
|---|---|
| Hardness, Shore A | 40 - 90 |
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 17 MPa |
| Density | 1.50 gcm-³ |
| Abrasion resistance | 450 mm3 |
| Thermal Properties | |
|---|---|
| CTE, linear 68°F | 576 µm/m-°C |
| Maximum Service Temperature, Air | 150 °C |
| Minimum Service Temperature, Air | -54 °C |
| Glass Temperature | -54 °C |
Common Application
EPDM rubber is commonly used in weatherseals on all vehicles. This includes door seals, window seals, trunk seals, and sometimes hood seals. Frequently these seals are the source of noise due to movement of the door versus the car body. This is due to friction between the EPDM rubber and the mating surface (car painted sheet metal or glass). This can be alleviated using specialty coatings that are applied at the time of manufacture of the weatherseal, not as an aftermarket application. Such coatings can also greatly increase the chemical resistance of EPDM rubber.
