EPDM Rubber

Properties of EPDM rubber

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a group of synthetic rubbers created by the polymerisation of ethylene, propylene and a diene. This means it is a terpolymer – a polymer obtained from three monomers. The result of polymerisation is a thermoplastic polymer in which one of the two double bonds in the diene monomer has remained intact. This means that the polymer can be vulcanised, with sulphur bridges being formed between the polymer molecules. A higher diene content means a greater degree of vulcanisation can take place, resulting in a “firmer” rubber. When mixed with soot and other fillers, a rubber is formed. This material has a high degree of elasticity and a broad temperature range (-35°C to 120°C). It also demonstrates good resistance to acids, bases, salts, ozone and UV radiation, and has a long life span. EPDM rubber retains its elasticity under conditions of extreme cold and heat. It is less resistant to petroleum, fuel and greases; NBR rubber is a better choice in these cases.

Various applications of EPDM rubber

This material’s good resistance to UV radiation, ozone and other weather influences means that it is frequently used in outdoor settings, such as in road construction. Other industries that benefit from its qualities are the shipping, construction and industrial sectors. The most common application is as EPDM roofing, for which the raw material is familiar to most people. However, this raw material is processed differently to the EPDM rubber products that EKI produces. Other applications include door and window seals in the automotive industry, electrical insulation, pond liner and garden hoses. This material in its harder forms is used for heavy bearing applications that require good distribution of pressure. It can effectively accommodate horizontal and angular displacements. Its long life span means that it’s frequently used in a variety of sectors as a rubber seal, as well as for damping, insulation and shock absorption.

How EKI delivers EPDM

Nijmegen-based manufacturer EKI can supply you with products such as high-quality self-adhesive EPDM, EPDM strips, liners and tape or EPDM rings in both standard and custom sizes. We can convert the material into both non-adhesive and self-adhesive blocks, gaskets and sheets. The rubber generally comes in black, with the white type mainly being used in the food industry. Our items can be delivered both in bulk and in small quantities, including the self-adhesive EPDM. Regardless of the size of the purchase, we can deliver our products quickly throughout Europe. If you have specific requirements or questions about our products or their technical specifications, please contact us via +31(0)243773378 or info@eki.nl.