EPDM rubber is a synthetic elastomer which is formally known as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. EPDM products are offered in a few variations. Their common feature though is that they are generally very good at resisting the degrading effects of weathering, ozone, and UV ray exposure. EPDM sheet rubber is highly recommended as a type of outdoor rubber for applications where there is significant environmental exposure. EPDM rubber is also highly resistant to extreme high and low temperatures making it the ideal rubber material for insulating heat and electricity. We offer EPDM in three varieties: Solid EPDM in a 60A shore hardness and cellular EDPM in a closed cell and an open cell format.

What is EPDM Rubber Used For?

EPDM rubber performs superbly in general exterior applications due to its excellent resistance to weathering, harsh UV rays and ozone. Its chemical composition allows it to resist the cracking and discoloration that comes from exposure to UV rays and ozone. Cracking is particularly dangerous because it can affect the overall integrity and productivity of equipment or products. Additionally, “as a durable elastomer, EPDM is conformable, impermeable and a good insulator” (wikipedia.org). This allows EPDM rubber to be used as vehicular sealants or seals to help retain hot or cold air. A common example of EPDM rubber being used as insulators include refrigerators/freezers and radiators. Both these applications expose these strips of EPDM rubber to damaging high and low temperatures but, the durability of the material itself will keep the integrity of the rubber intact so that it can be used for many years in the future. A good example of vehicular applications for EPDM products would be in the form of window sealing strips in vehicles. These strips made from EPDM sheets are necessary for protecting the window glass and the vehicle. However, since they are made of EPDM rubber, they will last for a long period of time without suffering from any degradation.

EPDM – Commercial Grade – 60A – 1/2″ x 36″

EPDM – Commercial Grade – 60A – 1/2″ x 36″

• EPDM rubber with a smooth finish
• A black weather resistant rubber that is ideal as an outdoor liner or pad
• EPDM material is in stock in 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ thickness
• A blend of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM rubber) and SBR

Excellent Chemical and Weather Resistance: The special properties of EPDM sheet rubber allow it to withstand chemicals in addition to weather-related hazards such as UV rays and ozone. As a weather resistant rubber, this EPDM sheet rubber is commonly used in industrial applications and machinery that are exposed to the elements. Damage from rainstorms, pollution, and the sun will occur at a slower rate compared to a fully exposed EPDM rubber when compared to other elastomers like SBR, Nitrile or Neoprene.

Excellent Industrial Sheet Rubber: EPDM rubber has adequate elastic and pliable qualities. The material has a durometer of Shore 55-65A but on average, has a Shore 60A measurement. A Shore A scale measures the hardness of the rubber. For example, a soft pencil eraser has a durometer of Shore 20A. Although higher than an eraser, the durometer of EPDM still maintains a good amount of flexibility for all of your necessary projects. In addition, EPDM rubber has a minimum elongation of 300%.

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How Long Does EPDM Rubber Last?

EPDM rubber is able to last a long time even when it is exposed to the harsh elements of outdoor weather patterns. Damage from ozone and UV rays are not the only challenges that this elastomer can fight. Water is another potential hazard that is unable to dent. After all, it would not be a true outdoor rubber if it could not handle moisture. Normally excessive amounts of water can stain or seep into a compound, cause it to warp and even cause mold or mildew to form. EPDM sheet rubber does not suffer from this problem and can endure even when exposed to heavy rainfall. EPDM sheets are often used in situations that need a good degree of waterproofing in required. EPDM sheet rubber products also use a blend with SBR, another form of rubber that helps to add an even higher level of durability to the finished product.

Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″

• 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.

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How Strong is EPDM?

The hardness of rubber of measured through a durometer value and our solid EPDM rubber has a durometer of 60 A, which means that while EPDM material is fairly hard and dense, it does still have a reasonable degree of pliability and flexibility. It also has a minimum tensile strength of 725 PSI and an elongation of 300%. This feature means that EPDM products have a greater level of versatility and can be used in a wider range of applications. Another aspect of EPDM rubber which adds to its versatility is the range of gauges and sizes that it comes in. EPDM rubber sheets are available in a variety of thicknesses, including 1/16”, 3/32”, 1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2”. A good rule of thumb to follow when determining how thick your EPDM sheets should be is: the thicker the sheet, the more it can withstand.

Closed Cell Rubber – Blend – 39″ x 78″

• Temperature Range: -40 F to +200 F
• Durometer rating of 20-25 Shore C
• Sheets available in size of 39in by 78in
• Ideal for use in shock absorption and gasket related applications

Moderate Weather Resistance: This closed cell sponge rubber benefits from the presence of Neoprene material since each sponge sheet is composed of Neoprene and SBR. A characteristic of Neoprene rubber is its good resistance to outdoor weathering effects such as UV rays and ozone. As a result, it is often employed wherever a rubber part is needed for the outdoors. This blended cellular rubber possesses a moderate degree of outdoor weather resistance.

A Durable Sponge Rubber: As a direct benefit from the SBR rubber used to make it, this closed cell sponge rubber possesses a good degree of physical durability. SBR is known for its superior physical strength and resistance to physical abrasions. It is the reason why SBR is so popular for use in vehicle tires, which are expected to endure harsh physical conditions on a daily basis. Although cellular rubber tends to be a softer material overall, especially when compared to its regular solid rubber counterparts, it is still durable enough to handle some moderate level physical abrasions.

What Types of EPDM are Available?

EPDM rubber is available in solid and cellular forms. The solid form of EPDM sheet rubber is generally denser and better suited to more physically demanding applications. It does not compress very well, which means that it will retain its original solid form in the presence of physical pressure. For example, the solid form of EPDM sheet rubber is ideal for heavy-duty applications. Industrial warehouses or other places heavy objects are being moved around will benefit from the thick and durable nature of solid EPDM rubber. The cellular version of EPDM rubber is softer and can be compressed more easily for applications where flexibility and compressibility are key. Apart from these differences, both solid and cellular EPDM material share nearly identical resistance attributes for outdoor conditions.

Is EPDM Rubber Oil Resistant?

In addition to being a great elastomer for outdoor use, EPDM products have a very good degree of chemical resistance; however, EPDM rubber is considered a non-oil resistant material, meaning that it does not hold up well in the face of oils like gasoline or kerosene. EPDM sheets do, however, make up for this in the way they handle a variety of other chemicals. It has good resistance to anti-freeze, synthetic detergents, acetone, boric acid, ethanol, formaldehyde, mercury, potassium sulfate, silver nitrate, saccharin, and even steam. It also has a great working temperature range. It is able to endure temperatures as low as -40° F and as high as 212° F, making it very well suited for a wide range of applications. These qualities have made EPDM rubber popular for use in industrial settings, such as in the form of seals and gaskets.

Given these qualities, EPDM rubber is a solid and dependable synthetic elastomer that is perfect in applications requiring effective outdoor rubber. With dynamic physical properties that make it ideal for use in a variety of situations, it thrives in outdoor and non-oil related usage. Rubber-Cal’s EPDM sheet rubber is a blend that contains styrene butadiene rubber, which is meant to give it a higher degree of durability and longevity. More importantly, industrial communities have embraced EPDM rubber because of its good chemical resistance and temperature endurance. If you have need of an outdoor rubber that has a proven track record of reliability against chemicals and inclement weather, then our EPDM material is the right elastomer for the job.

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