When is EPDM the best choice for rubber sealing strips?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a compound that resists aging, ozone, acid, alkali, water and extreme weather. EPDM is widely used in the extrusion industry, such as automotive door seals and weather strips, door and window seals for construction, and a variety of strips used on machines.

Advantage
The most important feature of EPDM is its excellent resistance to oxidation, ozone and chemical stability. Moreover, thermal insulation properties and electrical insulation properties are also good.  It also has high tensile strength and good elasticity.  EPDM is usually used instead of silicone. Silicone can withstand lower and higher temperatures, but they lack the abrasion resistance, tear resistance and cut resistance of EPDM. EPDM also provides better tensile strength than silicone rubber. So this cost-effective EPDM is usually a better choice than silicone – especially for outdoor environments.

Disadvantage
The main disadvantage of EPDM is that the resistance to some chemicals is unsatisfactory. It’s not suitable for general mineral oils, lubricants and hydraulic fluids. For fuel, grease and oil resistant applications, nitrile is a better choice than EPDM. It is important to check chemical compatibility before choosing EPDM.

Classification
Currently, EPDM is the most popular extruded material. EPDM sealing strips include solid rubber sealing strips, sponge rubber sealing strips, composite sealing stripes, static electricity flocking sealing stripes, cottonbatting-all-steel composite sealing stripes etc.

Application
EPDM seals can be used for a long time without cracking and deformation. They can maintain their good sealing performance and work during -40℃ to 120℃. They have been widely used in automobile, construction, machinery, electronic, electrical cabinet industries etc. The specific application is as follows:
a. Plastic steel doors and windows, aluminum alloy doors and windows, wooden doors and windows and other architectural decorative doors and windows: The main function of door and window seals are dustproof, mothproof, waterproof, soundproof and sealed.
b. Automobile door and window frame, front and rear windshield, engine cover and trunk lid: Automobile seals play the roles of waterproof, mothproof, waterproof, soundproof, temperature insulation, shock absorption and decoration properties. 
c. Electrical cabinet seals: It has good sealing, waterproof, mothproof, lightproof, anti-collision and long service life.

If you want to know more about EPDM rubber and if it is the right choice for your seal application, please feel free to contact us.