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Neither Viton nor EPDM is a better elastomer than the other because they each have completely different properties. EPDM material is best known for being the ideal outdoor rubber due to its outstanding environmental resistance properties. Viton, contrastingly, is a well-known fluoroelastomer that is used for highly corrosive or abrasive applications that are too harsh for synthetic rubbers. An EPDM part will be better suited for outdoor applications rather than chemically corrosive applications because, although the EPDM material is chemical-resistant, Viton is more likely to provide a sturdier application to a wider range of solvents, such as oil. A Viton and EPDM rubber sheet are both common rubber materials used to make durable industrial and outdoor rubber parts due to their excellent resistance to chemicals and outdoor damaging factors.
Is EPDM the Same as Viton?
EPDM and Viton are not the same, but they are both commonly used elastomers in the production of O-rings. Synthetic EPDM material is valued for its excellent durability and resistance to weathering and ozone cracking. Viton, on the other hand, is also a synthetic rubber with excellent resistance to outdoor damaging factors; however, it falls under the category of fluoroelastomers. As strong synthetic elastomers, “Fluoroelastomers are used mainly in seals and barrier layers subjected to environments too severe for other elastomers…[they] have long service life at temperatures above 150°C (302°F), and some specialty perfluoroelastomer parts can withstand sustained temperatures above 300°C (572°F) …[they] are [also] resistant to a wide range of fluids, so long as proper polymer compositions and cure systems are chosen for particular environments” (sciencedirect.com). The fluoroelastomer, Viton, has an operating temperature range of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +500 degrees Fahrenheit (chemours-site.force.com). Although EPDM material also retains a high operating temperature range of +212 degrees Fahrenheit, it will not be able to resist higher temperatures. In addition, although EPDM material retains excellent resistance to most harsh chemicals, products made of Viton are better suited for oil-related applications over EPDM products. Oil can cause swelling of the EPDM material which causes it to lose its strength and durability in an application. Despite these differences in resistance properties, EPDM and Viton are both chemically resistant and outdoor rubber materials that will offer long-lasting applications that will not be damaged by direct sunlight, oxidation, ozone, or organic byproducts.
What is Viton Rubber Used for?
Viton is used for applications that are too corrosive for other synthetic rubbers because it is a fluoroelastomer. Like EPDM material, Viton is “a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer commonly used in seals, chemical-resistant gloves, and other molded or extruded goods” (Wikipedia.org). Due to Viton’s high chemical and oil-resistance properties, seals and O-rings made of Viton are extremely durable and reliable products for harsh automotive applications that may involve diesel fuel. An EPDM rubber sheet is best used in applications that do not involve oil or fuels as these solvents can break down the structure of the EPDM material. Viton is also a popular material used in O-rings over most other materials, including EPDM, because they are extremely durable and can withstand harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Due to its excellent chemical and physical properties, Viton is capable of withstanding corrosive environments that other elastomers, even synthetic, cannot.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM
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.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
Is Viton Better than EPDM?
Viton is not better than EPDM because each elastomer has different properties that surpasses that of the other. Both EPDM and Viton are valued for their excellent outdoor properties which allow them to be long-lasting materials in harsh outdoor conditions. Each outdoor rubber material has a high degree of resistance against outdoor factors, such as UV rays, ozone cracking, and oxidation; however, they each have different chemical properties. Viton “is generally compatible with hydrocarbons, but incompatible with ketones such as acetone…ester solvents such as ethyl acetate, amines, and organic acids such as acetic acid” (Wikipedia.org). Other chemicals that are compatible with Viton include oil, kerosene, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Although Viton has better resistance to stronger chemicals, there are a few chemicals that are compatible with EPDM material, but not with Viton, such as acetone, ethyl acetate, formaldehyde, and acetic acid. Both Viton and EPDM products are highly durable and resilient synthetic rubber part that are ideal for outdoor use; however, they each have chemical-resistance properties that allow them to be used for two separate environments based on their chemical-resistance.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
How Can You Tell the Difference Between EPDM and Viton?
The best way to tell the difference between EPDM and Viton is through their compatibility in different applications. Although they share similar resistance properties to outdoor conditions, they have different resistance properties to temperature and chemicals. Generally, Viton is used in harsher and more abrasive environments with higher temperatures and stronger solvents, including oil and diesel fuel. However, there are some chemicals that are damaging to Viton that will not affect EPDM material, such as acetone and formaldehyde. EPDM material is often used as an outdoor rubber material used to make weather-resistant industrial rubber parts. Even though they can both be used for general-purpose applications, the extraordinary chemical and physical properties of both materials allow them to be perform exceptionally well in corrosive and abrasive applications.
EPDM – Commercial Grade – 60A
EPDM – Commercial Grade – 60A
- 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
- This sheet rubber weighs about 1-1/4 lbs. per square foot in 1/8″ thickness
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%.
Popular Gauges: Rubber-Cal understands that some gauges are in higher demand than others. Therefore, the most popular gauges can usually be found in stock, ready for customers. This includes a range of eight different gauges to choose from. Custom thickness and widths are available upon request, though non-standard sizes will have large minimum orders. A Rubber-Cal representative can assist you in exploring customization options. With so many choices, you’re bound to find the perfect size of EPDM material.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
What is the Difference Between EPDM and Viton?
The main difference between EPDM and Viton are their chemical-resistance properties and their operating temperature range. Both elastomers ae capable of resisting many harsh and corrosive chemical solvents; however, they each retain resistance to different chemicals. For instance, Viton has excellent compatibility with oil, fuel, and kerosene, but EPDM material does not (calpaclab.com). Instead, an EPDM rubber sheet is resistant to some chemicals that are damaging to Viton, such as acetone, formaldehyde, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate. In addition, Viton is able to withstand a wider operating temperature range of -50 degrees Fahrenheit to +400 degrees Fahrenheit (linkedin.com). Contrastingly, an EPDM rubber sheet does not have as broad of an operating temperature range as Viton, but it still has an excellent operating temperature range of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +212 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of their differences in chemical-resistance properties and operating temperature range, both EPDM and Viton are durable elastomers that are ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Despite the lack of oil-resistance of EPDM material, both EPDM and Viton are exceptionally durable synthetic elastomers. Both a Viton or EPDM part can be used in the outdoors without the worry of damage caused by UV rays and ozone. Apart from these similarities, Viton and EPDM are two different materials. Viton is a fluoroelastomer that is better resistant to harsher solvents whereas an EPDM rubber sheet is mainly valued for its outdoor resistance properties; however, there are certain chemicals that will not affect the structure of EPDM material but will damage the structure of Viton. These two elastomers are both extremely durable and chemically resilient materials that are well-suited for industrial and outdoor applications.