EPDM Gasket

To seal a joint, most people would traditionally go with neoprene or silicone gasket. After all, these elastomeric materials are readily available and work well in numerous applications. Still, they have their own limitations and there are instances when other materials will perform better.

Another alternative material for gaskets is EPDM. This is particularly suitable if you’re using the gasket outdoor or expecting abrasive wear.

What is an EPDM Gasket?

An EPDM gasket or short for ethylene-propylene-diene monomer is a specialized rubberized material that provides an excellent seal for metal to metal or metal to plastic applications. It can be used in various ways such as windows, doors, ductwork, and more. For windows and doors, it is often used on the outside of the frame for its ability to resist extreme temperature fluctuations. Both ethylene and propylene are gases and hydrocarbons at room temperature.

EPDM is created by changing the proportions of these solid polymers and controlling the whole polymerization process to create the long molecular chains with the flexible properties of rubbery.

Characteristics of EPDM Material

In this section, we’re going to enumerate the main properties of an EPDM gasket.

Durability and Compressibility

Being a gasket material, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer offers good stability and can resist oxidation, high heat, and  UV rays. In terms of compression set, EPDM also offers good compressibility. If you want better compressibility than the traditional EPDM seals, you can use an EPDM foam rubber grade featuring hollow shapes.

Temperature Resistance

The best property of an ethylene-propylene-diene gasket is its superior resistance to utmost temperatures such as heat and steam. Most elastomeric polymers like neoprene and silicone can withstand extreme temperatures. However, what makes EPDM different is that it can withstand both low and high extreme temperatures.

Depending on how it is created, EPDM gaskets can withstand -45°C to 150°C or -50°F to 300°. If you’re using it for steam, then EPDM gaskets can withstand over 180°C or up to 355°F.

Chemical Resistance

EPDM can also withstand the wearing and damaging effect of various alkali and acids— from sodium hydroxide solutions to greases to other diluted acids. This makes it a suitable option when you’re dealing with both ketones and brake fluids. Notice that, however, that ethylene-propylene-diene gasket is not desirable for application with other hydrocarbon oil products and petroleum, causing the seal to swell.

Strength Properties

EPDM gaskets has also good mechanical properties. In terms of tensile strength, EPDM is much better than neoprene and silicone. An EPDM gasket’s tensile strength ranges from 7 – 21 Megapascals (MPa) compared to the 5 – 8 MPa strength or neoprene and the 5 – 10 MPa tensile strength of silicone.

Also, unlike silicones, EPDM gaskets are resistant to abrasive wear and tear.

Different Material Grades and Types of EPDM Gaskets

• Sponge and Foam Rubber

EPDM gaskets made of sponge rubber have various ranges of durometer hardness. Meanwhile, a foam rubber EPDM gasket may have open or closed cells. EPDM gaskets with closed-cell are applied in the car door and window seals as well as electrical enclosures. In contrast, the open-cell foam EPDM gaskets are used for electrical insulation and shock absorption items.

• UL 94 EPDM Rubber Gaskets

These gaskets passed flame resistance and fire safety standards. These gaskets are created from EPDM rubber that is flame-retardant. This type of gasket is used to seal areas prone to high heat and flames.

• High-Grade, Commercial EPDM Gaskets

The commercial-grade EPDM gaskets are made for good resistance to chemicals, harsh UV light, and extreme weathering. These gaskets are used in applications prone to cold and hot temperatures, outdoor environments, and saturated steam.

• FDA-Approved and Peroxide Cured EPDM Gaskets

Peroxide-cured EPDM gaskets resist aging, compression set, and heat. Meanwhile, FDA-approved EPDM gaskets are most suitable for food applications as well as sealing in medical equipment.

EPDM Applications and Uses

As you can see, EPDM is a durable, resistant, and versatile type of material for a gasket. This is why it has a variety of applications and uses in all kinds of industries. In general, EPDM gaskets are often used in:

• Automotive

This is considered the most common application of an EPDM gasket. Thanks to its wearability, resiliency, and flexibility, the EPDM gasket is often used in vehicle weather stripping sealant, seals as well as in cable and wire harnesses and brake systems.

• HVAC

Short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, the HVAC industry uses EPDM gaskets, tubing, grommets, insulation, and seal for HVAC machines, thanks to its temperature resistance and weather ability.

• Construction

Thanks to its weatherproof, waterproof, and insulating capabilities, EPDM gaskets are also used in the construction industry. It is often used as a sealant in garage doors and in tank or pool sealing liners. In addition, the material is also used as a waterproof coating for bitumen and in roofing options such as RV roofs.

• Industrial

Because it has waterproof and electrically-insulating properties, EPDM gaskets are also used for most industrial applications and equipment.

In general, EPDM gaskets, O-rings, and hoses are typically used in fastening or sealing water systems. It also insuates electrical materials and seals wire and cable connections.

• Household

With its strong combination of mechanical and thermal properties, coupled with its relatively cheaper price than other materials, you can also expect to see EPDM gaskets in a wide range of household applications. This includes sealing windows and doors as well as in refrigerators and air cooling systems.

Disadvantages of EPDM

EPDM gaskets offer several advantages. However, like any other material, it does have limitations.

For one, EPDM gaskets don’t work well with mineral oil products. As mentioned before, EPDM material is vulnerable to hydrocarbon oils and some lubricants that are found in some industrial equipment and machinery.

In addition, unlike materials like silicone, EPDM gaskets are not flame resistant. So, it doesn’t do well on applications that are at high risk of flames and fires. It’s also not suitable for food application and can be difficult to adhere to.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

EPDM is a versatile elastomeric material for gaskets, making it suitable for various applications and industries. However, if in doubt, it’s best to consult a sealing expert to make sure that you’re using the optimal sealing material for your projects.

We hope that this comprehensive guide on EPDM gaskets, covering their properties, grades, and application has been helpful to you.

Besides, we can customize your EPDM gasket in any way you want, and we’ll make sure it’s as good as it can be. Having been with us for about ten years, our engineering team has a lot of knowledge and experience. Find the right gasket fabric for your next industrial project at Yoson Seals.

Contact us, you’ll be able to get the perfect solution for next EPDM gasket project!