EPDM vs Neoprene Rubber: Everything You Need To Know

Although neoprene is the most commonly used rubber in the industry, many companies, including ours, are moving towards using EPDM as many of the challenges associated with the using neoprene are overcome by using it.

What is EPDM rubber?

EPDM is an abbreviation for ethylene propylene diene monomer. This is a synthetic rubber that is very popular in the automotive and construction industries. EPDM (or ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber that has excellent durability and other typical characteristics associated with the more popular elastomers. Some of its other properties include tear resistance, high tensile strength and compression set.

Many industries rely on EPDM rubber to ensure the safety of the work process and to ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services, including:

HVAC

Panel gasket

Pressure switch tube

Car

Weather stripped

Hydraulic brake system

Wire and cable harness

Industry

Belts, metal rings and pipes

Stinger covers

Electric insulations

Water system, o-ring and hose

Benefits of EPDM

The advantages of EPDM over other elastomers are extensive, including:

Temperature resistance range from -60 to 350°F

The recovery rate can reach 600% elongation

Non-staining

Capable of withstanding a wider temperature range than neoprene

Heat, water, coolant, steam, ozone and sun protection

Resistant to polar substances, such as phosphate esters, alcohols and many ketones

EPDM

What is neoprene rubber?

Neoprene rubber is made by the polymerization of chlorine. The material has chemical stability, flexibility and degradation resistance in a wide temperature range, and was originally used to replace natural rubber.

The durability and elastic properties of neoprene make it suitable for a variety of everyday products such as sports and medical equipment, technical covers and sleeves, diving suits and safety gloves, and various outdoor applications, including use as hoses, gaskets, and seals , coatings and linings.

Benefits of neoprene

The properties of neoprene make it a requirement:

Chemical stability

Flexibility in different temperature ranges

Excellent wear resistance

Weathering resistance

Moderate resistance to certain chemicals, acids, oils, greases

Although we believe that other materials, such as EPDM, provide additional benefits in most applications, we are proud to provide our customers with a small range of neoprene product designs to meet their needs.