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.

Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)

Outstanding Fuel and Oil Resistance

Epichlorohydrin rubber, known as ECO, offers excellent resistance to fuel, oil, and other hydrocarbons. This makes it valuable in automotive and industrial applications where such resistance is paramount. ECO also provides good resistance to sunlight, ozone, and oxidation, and it can operate in a reasonably broad temperature range.

Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO): Selection Guide

Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO) is a specialty elastomer known for its excellent resistance to fuels, oils, and ozone. Its low gas permeability and strong heat aging properties make it a preferred material in demanding automotive and industrial applications. In this guide, I’ll explore the detailed technical specifications, applications, and selection advice tailored for B2B procurement officers.

What is Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)?

Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO) is a synthetic rubber produced by the polymerization of epichlorohydrin. It can be homopolymerized (CO) or copolymerized (ECO) with ethylene oxide, providing better low-temperature flexibility and enhanced performance.

ECO rubber combines excellent oil and fuel resistance with low gas permeability, making it ideal for fuel system components and industrial sealing solutions.

Types of Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)

ECO rubber is available in different types, each offering specific benefits depending on polymer composition and processing characteristics.

Type	Polymer Structure	Key Features	Common Applications
CO (Homopolymer)	100% Epichlorohydrin	Superior oil resistance, excellent fuel resistance	Fuel hoses, diaphragms, gaskets
ECO (Copolymer)	Epichlorohydrin + Ethylene Oxide	Better flexibility, lower temperature performance	Seals, O-rings, automotive fuel systems
Terpolymer	Epichlorohydrin + Ethylene Oxide + Allyl Glycidyl Ether	Improved processing, reduced crystallization	Injection molded parts, seals, bushings

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)?

✔️ Advantages

✅ Excellent oil and fuel resistance
✅ Low gas permeability (ideal for fuel systems)
✅ High ozone, weather, and oxidation resistance
✅ Good heat aging stability (operating up to +150°C)
✅ Flexible at low temperatures (down to -40°C with copolymers)

❌ Disadvantages

❌ Poor resistance to acids, bases, and polar solvents (ketones, esters)
❌ Limited dynamic properties (lower fatigue resistance under flexing)
❌ Specialized compounding and processing requirements increase costs

🔧 Advantages vs Disadvantages Table

Property	Advantages	Disadvantages
Fuel Resistance	Excellent	Not compatible with polar solvents
Gas Permeability	Very low (ideal for fuel hoses)	Not suitable for high-vibration dynamic applications
Temperature Range	-40°C to +150°C	Higher cost compared to NBR

What is Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO) Used For?

ECO rubber is commonly used in the automotive, industrial, and oil & gas sectors due to its excellent fuel and oil resistance properties and minimal gas permeation.

🚗 Automotive Applications

✅ Applications: Fuel hoses, O-rings, fuel tank linings, gaskets, diaphragms
✅ Benefits:
- Minimizes fuel evaporation and emissions
- Maintains flexibility and sealing under engine heat
- Compliant with automotive fuel system regulations

🏭 Industrial Applications

✅ Applications: Hydraulic seals, gas barrier membranes, compressor components
✅ Benefits:
- Prevents gas leakage in pneumatic systems
- Resists oil degradation and heat aging
- Long service life in industrial environments

🛢️ Oil & Gas Industry

✅ Applications: Gaskets, seals in fuel handling equipment, pipeline components
✅ Benefits:
- Fuel resistance prolongs seal performance
- Low permeability reduces risks of contamination and leakage

🔧 ECO Rubber Applications Performance Table

Industry	Temperature Range	Fuel/Oil Resistance	Gas Permeability
Automotive	-35°C to +150°C	Excellent	Very Low
Industrial	-30°C to +150°C	Good	Low
Oil & Gas	-30°C to +140°C	Excellent	Very Low

Is ECO Rubber Better Than NBR?

Both ECO and NBR are popular in fuel and oil resistance applications, but there are distinct differences between the two:

✅ ECO Rubber: Superior fuel resistance, lower gas permeability, better heat aging resistance, higher cost
✅ NBR (Nitrile Rubber): Economical, good oil and fuel resistance, lower heat and ozone resistance, higher permeability

🔧 ECO vs NBR Performance Table

Property	ECO Rubber	NBR Rubber
Oil/Fuel Resistance	Excellent	Good
Gas Permeability	Very Low	Moderate
Temperature Resistance	-40°C to +150°C	-30°C to +120°C
Ozone Resistance	Excellent	Poor
Cost	Higher	Lower

How to Choose Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)?

🔍 Step 1: Define Environmental Conditions

✅ Operating temperature: Ensure performance within -40°C to +150°C
✅ Exposure to fuels, oils, and gases: Confirm resistance requirements
✅ Pressure conditions: Ensure low gas permeability

🔍 Step 2: Select the Right ECO Type

ECO Type	Temperature Range	Key Feature	Applications
CO Homopolymer	-30°C to +135°C	Best fuel resistance, low gas permeability	Fuel hoses, gaskets
ECO Copolymer	-40°C to +150°C	Better flexibility and cold resistance	Seals, O-rings, fuel tank components

🔍 Step 3: Verify Compliance and Certifications

✅ ISO 9001 Quality Assurance
✅ RoHS and REACH environmental standards
✅ Automotive and aerospace specifications if required

📞 Get a Free Quote or Sample of ECO Rubber Components!

At Julong Rubber, we manufacture high-performance ECO rubber seals, hoses, and custom components for automotive, oil & gas, and industrial applications. Our team helps B2B buyers with material selection and custom formulation tailored to their exact project requirements.