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An EPDM sheet is best known for its superior environmental resistance properties that make it the best outdoor rubber material. As an ozone resistant rubber, EPDM rubber parts are commonly found in outdoor settings. EPDM, vs neoprene, is commonly used in outdoor industrial applications not only due to its environmental resistance properties, but also due to its excellent strength, flexibility, and pliability. EPDM cellular rubber can also be used in outdoor settings without damage. Contrastingly, because it is an oil resistant rubber, neoprene rubber is generally used in applications that involve oils and greases. Although extremely resistant to chemicals, EPDM sheet rubber is best used outdoors and should not be used in oil and grease-related applications.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
How Can You Tell Neoprene from EPDM?
You can tell neoprene from EPDM through the materials’ different physical and chemical properties. Neoprene and EPDM sheet rubber materials are both synthetic rubber variations, meaning they are man-made materials created with a blend of chemical compounds which give them their unique chemical and physical properties; however, because they are made with different chemical compounds, they will retain different properties. EPDM sheet rubber is made with a blend of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers. The blend of these three monomers gives EPDM excellent resistance to damaging environmental factors found outdoors. Case in point, “EPDM elastomers have excellent heat, ozone/weathering, and aging resistance. They also exhibit excellent electrical insulation, compression set, and low temperature properties” (polymerdatabase.com). These properties make EPDM, vs neoprene, the ideal outdoor rubber that will provide long-lasting and reliable applications in any outdoor setting. On the other hand, neoprene rubber is made from the polymerization of chloroprene, a liquid chemical used almost exclusively to produce neoprene rubber (Wikipedia.org). The polymerization of chloroprene gives neoprene rubber material excellent resistance to chemicals, greases, and oils.
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.
EPDM sheet material is commonly used in outdoor industrial settings due to its excellent chemical resistance properties as well as its superior environmental resistance properties. As an ozone resistant rubber, EPDM, vs neoprene, is a popular material used in the production of outdoor seals and gaskets. EPDM rubber parts can provide long-lasting and reliable outdoor rubber parts that will not deteriorate after extended exposure to UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture. EPDM cellular rubber sheets are also available for highly compressive applications. EPDM cellular rubber is available in both open and closed cell EPDM sheets, allowing you to find the perfect density for your application. Closed cell EPDM, although a foam, is made of up tight-knit air pockets, making it dense enough to resist the permeation of moisture. EPDM sheet material, no matter solid or cellular, has a wide operating temperature range of -40 to +212 degrees Fahrenheit. Contrastingly, although it has moderate resistance to damaging environmental factors, neoprene rubber is generally used in oil or petroleum-related applications due to its resistance to oils and greases. Although EPDM retains excellent chemical resistance properties, it does not stand up well against oils and greases.
Is EPDM Better Than Neoprene?
EPDM is not better than neoprene as both rubbers retains different properties that surpass that of the other rubber. An EPDM, vs neoprene is best known for being a durable ozone resistant rubber that is used in outdoor industrial applications whereas neoprene is best known for its resistance to oil and petroleum-derived solvents. Despite these differences in chemical resistance properties, as elastomers, both rubber materials retain a high tensile strength and low compression set, allowing them to provide protection against impacts and abrasions in industrial applications. Having a high tensile strength allows both EPDM and neoprene materials to resist tearing when stretched while having a low compression set allows them to provide ample cushioning against impacts. Overall, no one material is better than the other; an EPDM sheet and neoprene sheet are just used for separate applications.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM
EPDM sheet rubber is the superior outdoor rubber material that can resist degradation caused by harsh UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture. EPDM, vs neoprene, is an extremely ozone resistant rubber that is commonly used in outdoor industrial applications. EPDM rubber parts, such as industrial seals and gaskets, will offer excellent protective properties against impacts and abrasions; however, unlike neoprene rubber, it is not compatible with oils and greases. EPDM cellular rubber also retains the same chemical and environmental resistance properties as solid EPDM. Because it is an ozone resistant rubber, closed cell EPDM can also be used in outdoor settings. EPDM sheet rubber is the superior outdoor material that can provide reliable protection against environmental factors, impacts, and abrasions.
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.
