EPDM material is widely used across residential, commercial and industrial applications alike. Its many desirable properties allow it to be used in applications that take place indoors, outdoors, inside machinery, and even submerged in water! For this reason, EPDM sheets are incredibly versatile products. The black, EPDM rubber that these sheets are made from is a UV- and ozone-resistant elastomer that maintains flexibility through a broad range of temperatures. E.P.D.M. rubber is engineered to maintain both its physical and chemical properties in these temperatures, and also has resistances to many substances. With its many forms like liquid coatings and bonding adhesives, the potential uses of this rubber are abundant.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM
In the medium of EPDM sheets it’s simple to utilize the handful of physical properties and chemical resistances of the elastomer. Hand- or dye-cutting the rubber sheet is an easy way to tailor the EPDM material to a specific application. If you need a product that is even more precise in its fabrication, there are other more high-tech (as well as more expensive) methods of cutting the material. The success of your project could depend on precision, so don’t hold back on making the proper investments of both time and money. Also, it’s not uncommon to use the sheet whole! Here are some applications that take advantage of the useful rubber sheet:
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM
- Temperature Range: -40° F to 200° F
- Durometer rating of 15 Shore C
- Sheets available in size of 39″ by 78”
- Perfect for use in indoor or outdoor applications
High Compressive Strength: Closed cell rubber is a bit different from its open cell counterpart in terms of compressive strength. While open cell sponge rubber can rebound back to its original shape very quickly, closed foam rubber sponge takes a bit longer to do so. This allows the closed cell EPDM sponge rubber to handle high- pressure applications at a better rate, making it more durable.
Perfect for the Outdoors: The excellent ability of this closed cell rubber to operate in the outdoors is all thanks to the compound of EPDM rubber in its structural makeup. It has an excellent level of resistant to both UV rays and ozone. Outdoor factors like UV and ozone may not damage a material immediately, but they can definitely degrade a material over time. The EPDM compound in this sponge rubber allows it to remain exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. This is the primary reason why EPDM material is a popular elastomer to use in applications such as window sealing on vehicles and homes.
- Roofing: Using ethylene propylene diene monomer (E.P.D.M. rubber) as a roofing membrane for buildings is becoming an increasingly popular roofing option. The black, EPDM rubber acts as a water-resistant barrier that is durable enough to withstand constant exposure to UV rays and ozone, and also serves as an insulator. It won’t be troubled by moist weather conditions such as rain or snow. Rubber roofing is easy to install, long lasting and is offered in rolls and in shingles. Some rubber roofing products have high contents of recycled rubber tires which also have high EPDM content. Do not forget rubber tires are made to last in the outdoors.
- Pond Liners: The water-resistant quality of EPDM is also utilized in man-made ponds and lakes to prevent water seeping into the subsurface. This elastomer is perfect for this application due to its resistances to UV rays and ozone, allowing the liner to last for many seasons. These are generally very thin sheets of E.P.D.M. rubber which are very large and contain few or no seams; otherwise, they would be ineffective.
- Gaskets and Seals: With a low compression set, a high tensile strength and a resistance to abrasions, ethylene propylene diene monomer can perform as an outstanding gasket or seal component. It possesses a host of chemical resistances which make it appropriate for a diverse set of applications. Make sure to find out just which chemicals it can resist; if exposed to a chemical which it has no resistance to, the material will no longer be useful. E.P.D.M. rubber is used in sealing devices which may see sunlight or are used in the great outdoors.
- Outdoor Flaps and Curtains: This is an unusual application but when there is a need for an outdoor rubber flap, there is no better elastomer that could be used. Airplane hangars are one such place that include flaps and curtains made from EPDM.
- Bumper and Pads: It’s common for outdoor bumpers and protective pads to be made from EPDM material since it resists drying out and cracking longer than other elastomers. The resilience of EPDM matches other types of elastomers, with the exception of natural rubber.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
There are many more components and uses for EPDM material that weren’t mentioned (e.g., squeegee components, belts). Its many helpful properties make it useful in many locations, for many applications. It’s very simple and easy for manufacturers to produce components from EPDM sheets. Creating an item from sheet rubber has a quick turnover and is very cost-efficient, especially for such an all-around rubber like black EPDM!
Open Cell Rubber – EPDM
Open Cell Rubber – EPDM
- Operating temperature range from -40° F to 160° F
- Easy to roll up for transportation and storage purposes
- Pressure sensitive adhesive backing can be applied upon request
- The cellular texture of the open cell rubber is visible on the surface
Excellent Compressibility: This EPDM rubber foam is among the most compressible products currently available. The cellular composition of this open cell rubber material is the secret behind its ability to compress. The cell structure is composed of tiny air pockets that have gaps in between them. When force is applied to the surface of the EPDM sponge, these air pockets will close in on themselves. The source of the pressure will also not face any resistance due to the soft nature of open cell sponge. The EPDM foam sheet will maintain its compressed form as long as the object applying the pressure remains.
Fast Recovery: The open cell EPDM has the ability to revert back to its original shape after compression. When the source of pressure is removed from the open cell rubber sheet’s surface, the air pockets within its cellular composition will revert back to their original shape. This helps the EPDM rubber foam maintain a working lifespan suitable to long-term use in applications that require constant compression.