Buna and EPDM rubber both retain excellent physical strength and shock absorption properties; however, they each have certain qualities that the other does not. Buna rubber, or nitrile rubber, is known for its oil resistance properties whereas EPDM sheeting is known for environmental resistance properties. As an ozone resistant rubber, EPDM, vs buna, is commonly used in outdoor settings whereas nitrile will be damages. On the other hand, nitrile rubber sheet can resist damage caused by oils, greases, and gasoline whereas EPDM will eventually deteriorate upon extended exposure. Although EPDM and buna elastomers both retain excellent tear strength, they retain different chemical and physical properties that differentiates them from one another and makes them better suited for different types of applications.

What is EPDM Rubber?

EPDM rubber is a synthetic rubber material that retains superior resistance properties to damaging outdoor environmental factors, including UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture. EPDM, vs buna, is the superior ozone resistant rubber that is best known for its excellent outdoor properties. Its superior environmental resistance properties are made possible due to the chemical compounds used in the production of EPDM rubber. It is made with a blend of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers with ethylene and propylene being the main two chemicals. Being the main two chemicals in the composition, ethylene and propylene affect the properties of EPDM rubber, giving it excellent resistance to damaging environmental factors as well as durability. 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…Their resistance to chemicals is generally good” (polymerdatabase.com). Due to its resistance to harsh weather conditions and environmental factors, EPDM, vs buna, is commonly used in outdoor industrial and residential applications. Ozone is a highly damaging factor to natural rubber and some synthetic rubber variations that causes the materials to crack and break apart; however, EPDM sheeting is an ozone resistant rubber that will resist such damage and provide a reliable application. The environmental resistance properties of EPDM sheeting along with its excellent compression set allows EPDM rubber parts to provide long-lasting applications.

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What is Buna Material?

Buna material is a synthetic elastomer best known for its superior oil resistance properties. Buna rubber, also known as nitrile rubber, is commonly used to create protective pads, seals, and gaskets for industrial and automotive applications. It retains excellent chemical and physical properties that make it an excellent material for harsh settings and applications. The first nitrile rubber sheet was created during the years between the world wars as a stronger and oil resistant alternative to natural rubber, which is easily damaged by oils and greases. Because it is a synthetic elastomer, buna rubber is produced by blending the chemicals butadiene and acrylonitrile. The chemical composition of a nitrile rubber sheet gives the material enhanced strength and its unique resistance to oils and greases. Case in point, “In the production of NBR, acrylonitrile and butadiene are emulsified in water and then polymerized…through the action of free-radical initiators…With increasing acrylonitrile content, the rubber shows higher strength, greater resistance to swelling by hydrocarbon oils, and lower permeability to gases” (Britannica.com). Not only does this blend of chemical compounds give nitrile its superior oil and grease resistance, but it also gives the material excellent tear strength and abrasion resistance. In particular, the acrylonitrile content in its composition gives nitrile rubber enhanced strength, low temperature flexibility, and long life in highly abrasive industrial settings involving impacts and high temperatures. In addition to oils and greases, nitrile rubber also retains excellent chemical resistance properties against chemicals such as ammonia, methyl alcohol, copper salts, detergents, mercury, potassium salts, and zinc sulfate. Due to its durable properties, buna rubber is commonly used in both industrial and residential applications.

What is the Difference Between Buna and EPDM?

The main difference between buna and EPDM is that buna is known for its superior oil resistance whereas EPDM is known for its superior environmental resistance properties. Nitrile and EPDM sheeting are both extremely strong and durable rubber materials that can stand up well against impacts and abrasions. EPDM rubber and nitrile rubber are generally used for different types of applications due to their varying properties. For instance, unlike EPDM rubber, nitrile rubber is an oil resistant material meaning it can be used in settings where oil is present, such as automotive settings and commercial kitchens. Drops of motor or cooking oil can stay on the surface of nitrile rubber for extended periods of time without deteriorating. Contrastingly, EPDM rubber, vs buna, is highly resistant to environmental factors. Buna rubber will be severely damaged by them. As an ozone resistant rubber, EPDM, vs buna, will not crack when exposed to the ozone for extended periods of time, allowing them to be used and left outdoors indefinitely without worry of damage.

EPDM and buna rubbers are durable and long-lasting materials that are commonly used in industrial settings. Even though they both retain excellent tear strengths, nitrile and EPDM rubber are generally used for different types of applications. As an ozone resistant rubber, EPDM sheeting is commonly used outdoors whereas a nitrile rubber sheet is generally used indoors as it cannot withstand environmental factors. Buna rubber is generally used in settings where oils and greases are abundant. EPDM sheeting is better used outdoors as it will not crack after being exposed to ozone whereas nitrile rubber holds the upper hand when it comes to resisting oil, grease, and gasoline.

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