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 Acrylic Elastomer (AEM)

Long Heat Resistance with Enhanced Flexibility

AEM combines the best of both worlds from acrylics and EPDM. It offers excellent heat resistance and retains flexibility over a broad temperature range. It also provides good resistance to ozone, weathering, and many oils and lubricants.

Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM): Selection Guide

Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM), commonly known by its trade name Vamac®, is an advanced synthetic elastomer combining the chemical resistance of acrylic rubber with the flexibility and heat resistance of ethylene. For B2B industrial procurement, understanding the technical advantages, applications, and selection criteria of AEM rubber ensures optimal component performance in demanding environments.

What is Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM)?

AEM is a copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate, often including small amounts of carboxylic acid groups to improve cure characteristics. It offers a balance between heat resistance, flexibility, and excellent resistance to oils and ozone. AEM is frequently used in automotive and industrial sealing applications where moderate to high temperatures and chemical exposures exist.

Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM) provides durable sealing solutions, particularly for high-performance automotive and industrial systems exposed to oil, heat, and oxidation.

Types of Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM)

AEM compounds are available in various types, each offering a unique balance of properties such as temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical compatibility.

Type	Key Features	Typical Applications
General-Purpose AEM	Excellent oil and heat resistance, good flexibility	Automotive air ducts, seals, hoses
High-Temperature AEM	Enhanced thermal stability up to 175°C	Turbocharger hoses, high-temp seals
Low-Temperature AEM	Improved flexibility at temperatures as low as -40°C	Cold-weather automotive seals, dynamic parts

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM)?

✔️ Advantages

✅ Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and transmission fluids
✅ Broad operating temperature range (-40°C to +175°C)
✅ Superior ozone, weather, and aging resistance
✅ Good mechanical properties, including high tensile strength
✅ Flexible and suitable for dynamic applications

❌ Disadvantages

❌ Not compatible with highly polar fluids like brake fluids and ketones
❌ Higher cost compared to traditional elastomers like NBR and EPDM
❌ Limited resistance to strong acids and bases

🔧 Advantages vs Disadvantages Table

Feature	Advantages	Disadvantages
Temperature Resistance	-40°C to +175°C	Below -40°C, flexibility decreases
Chemical Resistance	Excellent against oils, fuels	Poor in polar solvents and strong acids
Mechanical Properties	Good dynamic flex-fatigue resistance	Lower elongation compared to silicone

What is Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM) Used For?

AEM is primarily used in applications requiring both chemical and temperature resistance. It is widely adopted in the automotive and industrial sectors.

🚗 Automotive Industry

✅ Applications: Turbocharger hoses, intake manifold seals, transmission gaskets
✅ Benefits:
- Withstands high engine compartment temperatures
- Excellent compatibility with engine oils, coolants, and ATF fluids
- Maintains flexibility under dynamic mechanical stress

🏭 Industrial Applications

✅ Applications: Flexible couplings, oil seals, hydraulic hose linings
✅ Benefits:
- Resists aging and oxidation in hydraulic fluids
- Prolongs service life in high-stress industrial machinery

🔬 Specialty Applications

✅ Applications: Wire and cable insulation, air management systems
✅ Benefits:
- High dielectric strength and thermal stability
- Ideal for high-performance electrical and electronic applications

🔧 AEM Industry Applications Performance Table

Industry	Temperature Range	Chemical Exposure	Durability
Automotive	-40°C to +150°C	Engine oils, fuels	High
Industrial Equipment	-30°C to +175°C	Hydraulic oils	Very High
Electrical	-40°C to +125°C	Minimal	High

What is the Difference Between ACM and AEM Rubber?

Both AEM and ACM are acrylic-based elastomers, but they have distinct differences:

✅ AEM (Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer): Better low-temperature flexibility, improved dynamic properties, and greater resistance to ozone and weathering.
✅ ACM (Polyacrylate Rubber): Higher temperature resistance (+180°C), superior oil resistance, but poor flexibility and ozone resistance.

🔧 AEM vs ACM Performance Table

Property	AEM	ACM
Temperature Range	-40°C to +175°C	-20°C to +180°C
Ozone Resistance	Excellent	Poor
Flexibility	Good	Poor
Dynamic Sealing	Superior	Inferior

What is the Difference Between AEM and EPDM?

✅ AEM: Excellent oil and heat resistance, designed for dynamic applications in high-temperature environments
✅ EPDM: Superior weather, ozone, and water resistance but limited oil and fuel compatibility

🔧 AEM vs EPDM Performance Table

Property	AEM	EPDM
Oil Resistance	Excellent	Poor
Ozone Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Temperature Range	-40°C to +175°C	-50°C to +150°C

How to Choose Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM)?

🔍 Step 1: Define Application Requirements

✅ Operating temperature (especially high-heat applications)
✅ Exposure to oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids
✅ Flexibility and dynamic movement requirements

🔍 Step 2: Select the AEM Type

Type	Temperature Range	Flexibility	Applications
General Purpose	-30°C to +150°C	Moderate	Automotive hoses, seals
High-Temperature AEM	-20°C to +175°C	Lower	Turbo hoses, industrial gaskets
Low-Temperature AEM	-40°C to +125°C	High	Cold-weather seals

🔍 Step 3: Verify Compliance and Certifications

✅ ISO 9001 Quality Management
✅ RoHS and REACH compliance for environmental safety
✅ Automotive/Aerospace specs as required

📞 Get a Free Quote or Sample of AEM Rubber Products!

At Julong Rubber, we manufacture high-quality AEM rubber seals, gaskets, and custom components tailored for the automotive and industrial sectors. We offer expert support to help you select the right elastomer for your application.