Materials of Excellence

Crafting with the Best in the Business

At Julong Rubber, we prioritize using the finest materials to ensure the durability, efficiency, and performance of every product. Explore the various high-quality materials that form the foundation of our premium rubber components.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

EPDM rubber is one of the most versatile synthetic rubbers in the industry. Known for its outstanding resistance to weather, ozone, and aging, it’s a top choice for outdoor applications, roofing, seals, and more. But how does it compare to NBR or other rubber materials?

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber, is a synthetic elastomer recognized for its excellent weather resistance, UV stability, and durability in extreme temperatures. It’s widely used in automotive seals, roofing membranes, and drinking water systems.

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What is EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber made by copolymerizing ethylene, propylene, and a diene monomer. The inclusion of the diene allows for cross-linking via sulfur vulcanization, which enhances flexibility and resistance to outdoor elements.

EPDM is a high-performance rubber designed for excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, UV rays, and aging. It performs well across a wide temperature range from -50°C to +150°C.

🔬 Chemical Structure

Ethylene + Propylene + Diene = EPDM
The diene component introduces unsaturation, allowing vulcanization and improved properties.

What are the Raw Materials of EPDM?

Ethylene (C2H4): Provides strength and stability.
Propylene (C3H6): Adds flexibility and weather resistance.
Diene (commonly ENB – Ethylidene Norbornene): Enables vulcanization and crosslinking, improving elasticity and durability.

What is the Characteristic of EPDM?

✅ Characteristic	🔍 Details
🌦️ Weather Resistance	Outstanding resistance to UV, ozone, and aging.
💧 Water Resistance	Excellent resistance to water and steam.
🌡️ Temperature Range	Performs between -50°C to +150°C.
🧪 Chemical Resistance	Resists polar substances like acids and alkalis.
⚡ Electrical Insulation	Good dielectric properties.

What are the Two Types of EPDM?

Sulfur-Cured EPDM
✅ Lower cost, faster curing time.
❌ Limited heat resistance (up to 130°C).
Peroxide-Cured EPDM
✅ Better heat and chemical resistance (up to 150°C).
✅ Preferred for drinking water applications.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of EPDM?

🏆 Advantages

🌞 Exceptional UV and ozone resistance
🌧️ Excellent water and steam resistance
❄️ Wide temperature tolerance (-50°C to +150°C)
⚡ Excellent electrical insulation properties
♻️ Eco-friendly and compliant with drinking water regulations

⚠️ Disadvantages

🛢️ Poor oil and fuel resistance
⚗️ Not compatible with hydrocarbons and petroleum products
🧵 Lower tear strength in dynamic applications compared to NBR or FKM

What is Ethylene Propylene Rubber Used For?

EPDM is used in automotive weather seals, roofing membranes, garden hoses, drinking water seals, and insulation materials.

🏗️ 1. Construction and Roofing Industry

✅ Roofing Membranes: EPDM membranes are widely used in flat roofs and low-slope commercial buildings due to their durability and resistance to weathering.

✅ Window and Door Seals: EPDM profiles provide excellent sealing performance against water and air infiltration.

✅ Expansion Joint Seals: EPDM absorbs movement between concrete slabs in bridges and buildings.

🚗 2. Automotive Industry

✅ Door and Window Seals: Prevents water leaks and reduces noise in vehicle cabins.
✅ Radiator Hoses: EPDM’s heat and chemical resistance make it suitable for engine cooling systems.
✅ Weatherstripping: Seals the vehicle’s exterior components to protect against dust, water, and noise.

🏭 3. HVAC Industry (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

✅ Gaskets and Seals: Used in HVAC duct systems to prevent air leaks.
✅ Insulation Jacketing: EPDM rubber sheets cover insulation materials to protect against moisture and UV rays.
✅ Flexible Connectors: Reduce noise and vibration in HVAC systems.

🔌 4. Electrical and Cable Industry

✅ High Voltage Cable Insulation: EPDM’s electrical resistance makes it ideal for insulation in power cables.
✅ Cable Jacketing: Provides a protective barrier against moisture, UV, and chemicals.

🌊 5. Marine Industry

✅ Hatch Seals: Ensures water-tight integrity in boat hatches and portholes.
✅ Fendering Systems: EPDM absorbs impact, protecting vessels during docking.
✅ Marine Hoses: Resistant to saltwater and UV, ideal for bilge pump and exhaust hoses.

🔧 EPDM Applications Performance Comparison Table

Industry	Primary Applications	Operating Temp. (°C)	Key Benefits	Challenges
Construction	Roofing membranes, expansion joints	-40 to +150	UV and ozone resistance	Low oil resistance
Automotive	Seals, hoses, weatherstripping	-50 to +125	Weatherproofing, flexibility	Not compatible with petroleum oils
HVAC	Duct seals, insulation jacketing	-40 to +150	Heat and moisture resistance	Limited resistance to hydrocarbons
Electrical	Cable jacketing, insulation	-50 to +125	Electrical resistance, UV stability	Not suitable for fuel exposure
Marine	Hatch seals, fendering systems	-40 to +120	Saltwater and UV resistance	Limited solvent resistance

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What is EPDM Not Compatible With?

❌ Substance	⚠️ Why Not?
Petroleum-based oils	Causes swelling and material breakdown
Fuels (Gasoline/Diesel)	Leads to degradation and failure
Aromatic hydrocarbons	Attacks the polymer backbone

Is EPDM Safe for Drinking Water?

✅ Yes! EPDM rubber is certified for drinking water applications. It complies with NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, and KTW standards for potable water safety.

Is EPDM UV Resistant?

✅ Absolutely! EPDM rubber has excellent UV and ozone resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications like roofing membranes, window seals, and water hoses.

How to Identify EPDM Rubber?

🧐 Black or white color with a smooth matte surface
🔥 Burn test: Burns with little smoke and faint sweet smell
🧪 Resistant to water and steam, but fails in oil resistance tests

Which is Better, Viton or EPDM?

🔍 Feature	🏆 EPDM	🏆 Viton (FKM)
UV/Ozone Resistance	✅ Excellent	✅ Excellent
Water Resistance	✅ Excellent	❌ Poor
Oil/Fuel Resistance	❌ Poor	✅ Excellent
Temperature Range	-50°C to +150°C	-20°C to +230°C
Cost	Lower	Higher

How Long Does EPDM Rubber Last?

🌎 Environment	⏳ Expected Lifespan
Indoor Applications	✅ 15+ years
Outdoor Applications	✅ 20-25 years
Roofing Membranes	✅ 30+ years

🔧 Tips to Maximize EPDM Longevity

✅ Avoid contact with petroleum oils
✅ Regular maintenance and inspection
✅ Use proper installation methods

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🔍 Conclusion

EPDM rubber is a versatile, durable material perfect for outdoor, automotive, and water applications. Its superior resistance to UV, ozone, and aging makes it ideal for seals, roofing membranes, and drinking water systems.

However, for applications involving oils or fuels, NBR or FKM are better choices.