Description
Ethylene-Propylene rubber is a low cost, versatile compound that functions well in both low and high operating temperature environments. Moderate to good resistance to a variety of chemicals make it the compound of choice for a variety of applications. EPDM's chemically saturated polymer chain accounts for its superior resistance to degradation. However, use is limited by its incompatibility with petroleum based fluids. EPDM can be cured with sulfur or peroxide, although applications with high heat requirements should use peroxide cured compounds. Peroxide curing also produces vulcanizates with superior compression set than that of the sulfur cures. Reinforcing agents are especially important in Ethylene-Propylene polymers because it lacks gum strength. Therefore, high tensile and tear properties are achieved through high loading. EPDM is a terpolymer, not to be confused with the copolymer EPM, which can only be peroxide cured due to its completely saturated polymer backbone.
Composition
Ethylene Propylene
Physical Properties*
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Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| Abrasion resistance |
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• |
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| Compression Set |
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• |
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| Elongation |
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• |
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| Flame resistance |
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• |
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| Gas permeability |
• |
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| Low temperature flexibility |
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| Tear resistance |
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• |
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| Tensile strength |
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• |
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Chemical Resistance*
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Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| Alcohols |
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• |
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| Dilute acids |
• |
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| Dilute alkalis |
• |
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| Gasoline |
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• |
| Hydraulic fluids |
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• |
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| Oxygenated solvents |
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• |
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| Ozone |
• |
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| Petroleum oils and greases |
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• |
| Steam |
• |
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| Water |
• |
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| Weather |
• |
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Operating Temperature
-65 to 300 °F
*Excellent, good, fair and poor are intended to serve as general guidelines only. Actual testing in the application environment is always recommended.
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