For industrial applications where there is exposure to the outdoors, material selection for sealing and insulation isn’t just about immediate functionality – it’s about long-term reliability and performance. From heavy machinery seals battling the elements, to roof membranes facing UV and ozone exposure, the materials chosen for outdoor applications must be designed to stand the test of time when exposed to challenges of the environment. For a robust and dependable material for various outdoor applications, EPDM rubber is often a great choice.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, most commonly known as EPDM, is a durable and highly versatile synthetic rubber. This versatile elastomer features a unique combination of properties that make it the go-to choice for countless outdoor industrial needs. First developed in the 1960s, EPDM was initially designed to be a replacement for natural rubber in tyres, however, its niche has been found in a wide range of other applications in industries such as construction, automotive, and HVAC, due to its strong resistance to weathering, UV rays, and ozone.
Let’s discuss the list of special characteristics that help EPDM products to weather any storm and provide unparalleled longevity in even the most challenging outdoor industrial settings.
Key benefits of EPDM rubber for outdoor use
The properties of EPDM make it an ideal choice of material for long-lasting outdoor industrial sealing and insulation applications due to a unique combination of resistances and durability:
Weather Resistance
EPDM exhibits excellent resistance to a range of harsh weather conditions, including rain, hail, and snow, as well as extreme temperature fluctuations that can be associated with changing weather conditions. These properties allow it to maintain its integrity over extended periods of exposure to the elements.
UV and Ozone Resistance
EPDM rubber has a high resistance to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun and ozone in the atmosphere, both of which can be major causes of degradation in other rubber materials, helping to significantly reduce material failure in outdoor environments.
Resistance to a Wide Temperature Range
EPDM retains its flexibility and functionality when exposed to a broad range of temperatures, ranging from as low as -30°C and as high as 80°C (depending on the grade), which makes it a suitable material for environments where extreme temperatures are encountered, or even in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
Moisture Resistance
It features a high resistance to water absorption, ensuring it can withstand rain and condensation build-up related to outdoor applications, as well as steam, which is common in many industrial settings.
Chemical Resistance
EPDM offers great resistance to a variety of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and some solvents. These resistance properties broaden its suitability for various industrial applications and processes.
Electrical Insulation
Another key feature of EPDM synthetic rubber is that it is a highly effective electrical insulator, making it a suitable sealing and insulating material for electrical enclosures and other outdoor industrial applications that rely on electrical power.
Fire Safety
EPDM can be supplied in flame-retardant grades, ensuring that it complies with essential fire safety standards, including EN45545-2, the European standard for fire safety in the rail industry.
Overall Durability
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is probably best known for its durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength, which allow it to withstand considerable physical stresses associated with various industrial applications.
Low Maintenance
Finally, the combination of high level resistance properties of EPDM means that it is often an excellent choice of material for outdoor applications as it has a much longer service life than other rubber materials. It also requires less maintenance and replacement, meaning that it is a cost-effective choice in the long term.
EPDM Manufacturing Capabilities
A further advantage of EPDM rubber is that it can be converted into a wide range of parts and components, through various manufacturing processes. For example, EPDM rubber sheeting can be converted into EPDM gaskets, washers, and strip or tape through die cutting.
In addition to cutting processes, EPDM can also be manufactured into a diverse range of shapes through moulding, extrusion and fabrication processes. With this versatility, EPDM can be used to create an extensive range of shapes and profiles to support a diverse range of industrial applications.
