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EPDM rolls are valued materials that are most popularly used for outdoor industrial applications due to its excellent physical and chemical properties that allow it to be the UV resistant rubber. EPDM rubber products will retain excellent resistance to the harsh effects of moisture, UV rays, ozone, and oxidation while also being moderately resistant to most industrial chemicals. In addition, an EPDM part is not limited to industrial use only; instead, it can be used for residential use around the home as well. Furthermore, closed cell EPDM rolls are also resistant to the damaging effects of moisture and can be used outdoors as well. Overall, both solid and closed cell sheet EPDM are ideal materials for use in outdoor industrial settings.
Closed Cell Rubber – Blend
Where is EPDM Used?
EPDM is used outdoors and in abrasive industrial settings due to its superior heat-resistance, environmental resistance, chemical resistance, and moisture resistance, even to seawater. Synthetic EPDM rolls are highly valued for their excellent life in the outdoors and is often used in outdoor industrial settings where it may come into contact with some mild chemicals, moisture, and outdoor damaging factors. This is made possible through the physical and chemical properties of EPDM rolls which include resistance to mild chemicals, silicone oils and greases, extreme high and low temperatures, moisture, UV rays, ozone, and oxidation. Furthermore, this UV resistant rubber also retains a high tensile strength and excellent flexibility alongside its superior outdoor resistance properties which allows it to work well as weatherstripping, roofing, electrical and thermal insulation, seals, gaskets, O-rings, and protective padding. Both solid and cellular EPDM rolls can be used to make a durable EPDM part; however, cellular EPDM rolls are more compressible than its solid counterpart and is best suited for highly compressive applications rather than those involving heavy impacts and abrasive settings. Closed cell EPDM can be used where moisture is present as its tight-knit cellular structure resists the permeation of moisture to a high degree; however, open cell EPDM is a highly absorbent material that should be used for dry applications such as insulation or sound dampening. Sheet EPDM, whether solid or cellular, are often used to make outdoor industrial rubber parts due to its resistance to the outdoor environment.
Is EPDM Heat Resistant?
EPDM is a highly heat resistant material due to its saturated backbone which allows it to be a reliable thermal and electrical insulator. This UV resistant rubber is one of the most well-known elastomers with a saturated backbone along with being the best outdoor rubber material. As a case in point, EPDM’s “stability of its saturated backbone structure determines the manifestation of a good resistance at heat and oxidation and also at ozone and weather-aging” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). EPDM rolls retain a high working temperature range of -40 to +212 degrees Fahrenheit for solid EPDM, -40 to +200 degrees Fahrenheit for closed cell EPDM, and -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for open cell EPDM. These wide temperature ranges allow sheet EPDM, whether solid or cellular, to provide a reliable application in high temperature environments. In addition, EPDM rolls have outstanding resistance to hot water and steam up to 200 degrees Celsius [392 degrees Fahrenheit] (polymerdatabase.com). This resistance to extreme heat allows EPDM to be used for thermal and electrical insulation. Closed cell EPDM rolls are the ideal insulating materials as they are pliable materials that can be wrapped around objects, such as pipes and wires, to keep them insulated.
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.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
Is EPDM UV Resistant?
EPDM, both solid and cellular, is UV resistant due to the levels of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers used in its composition. As a synthetic elastomer, EPDM rolls are made using a blend of chemical compounds which determine its chemical and physical properties. The levels of ethylene and propylene content used to produce this UV resistant rubber determines its outdoor resistance properties. For instance, “The ethylene and propylene monomers combine to form a chemically saturated, stable polymer backbone providing excellent heat, oxidation, ozone, and weather aging” (iisrp.com). Furthermore, “The influence of the type and amount of diene on the UV stability was investigated…techniques showed a decrease in UV stability with increasing diene content” (sciencedirect.com). Oftentimes, UV rays are detrimental to the integrity of rubber’s structure and can cause it to fade in color and age faster. As a case in point, “UV radiation causes photooxidative degradation which results in breaking of the polymer chains, produces free radical and reduces the molecular weight, causing deterioration of mechanical properties and leading to useless materials, after an unpredictable time” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). As a UV resistant rubber, EPDM rolls are able to resist this degradation cause by UV exposure and will provide durable and long-lasting EPDM rubber products. Additionally, the ethylene and propylene content prevent sheet EPDM from cracking when exposed to ozone. Sheet EPDM is a UV resistant rubber that offers long-lasting applications in outdoor settings where it is exposed to UV rays, ozone, and oxygen.
Is EPDM Combustible?
Although EPDM can withstand temperatures as high as 212 degrees Fahrenheit, EPDM is not a flame retardant material and can be combustible. Sheet EPDM is a highly heat resistant material that can withstand extremely low temperatures of up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, but it “is a flammable material with a very low limiting oxygen index (LOI) value, which greatly limits its further development and application” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). When used for thermal or electrical insulation, it should not be exposed to open flames or live wires. Despite its flammability, EPDM rolls can be used to create durable rubber parts used for high temperature or chemically related applications. In addition, sheet EPDM is able to withstand hot water and steam up to +355 degrees Fahrenheit (polymerdatabase.com). Although EPDM is a highly heat-resistant elastomer, it is a flammable and combustible material that should not be exposed to flames.
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″
Can You Lay EPDM in the Rain?
You can lay EPDM in the rain without worry of damage due to its outstanding moisture-resistance capabilities. Both solid and closed cell EPDM rolls are highly resistant to the permeation of moisture; however, open cell EPDM rolls are the exact opposite and is a highly absorbent material. An EPDM part, such as a weatherstrip or a refrigerator seal, can be installed and used in residential applications. In addition, EPDM weatherstripping can be found on vehicles “where EPDM is used for door seals, window seals, trunk seals, and sometimes hood seals” (Wikipedia.org). Furthermore, EPDM rolls, in the form of membranes, is a common material used for roofing applications due to its superior resistance to UV rays and ozone. In addition, due to its superior resistance to moisture, an EPDM part can be left out to lay in the rain without suffering damage.
Is EPDM Suitable for Seawater?
EPDM is highly moisture resistant material that is suitable for seawater and will resist permeation or damage when coming into contact with salt water. EPDM rolls are commonly used materials in outdoor marine settings because it does not absorb liquids and it will resist degradation by UV rays, ozone, and oxidation. Sheet EPDM has “good temperature, weather, and seawater resistance as well as in its resistance to UV and ozone” (able.co.uk). A closed cell EPDM part is often used as water resistant electrical insulation in industrial marine settings due to its low absorption rate of less than 5%. Additionally, due to its high tensile strength, solid 60A durometer sheet EPDM, which considered a hard rubber, is often used as protective dock bumpers that work to prevent damage to boats and the docks themselves in case of a collision. EPDM’s resistance to moisture, as well as seawater, along with its resistance to damaging environmental factors allow it to provide resilient applications in industrial marine settings.
As the superior outdoor rubber material, EPDM rolls are often used to create UV resistant rubber parts for outdoor industrial use. EPDM rubber products are able to withstand harsh outdoor environments as well as most industrial chemicals along with abrasive temperatures, moisture, and even seawater. Both solid and closed cell EPDM rolls make excellent outdoor materials because, although closed cell EPDM is a porous material, it is dense enough to resist permeation of liquids with an absorption level of less than 5%. An EPDM part will offer long-lasting industrial applications that cannot be achieved by other materials or elastomers, making solid and closed cell EPDM rolls a highly valued material for its resilience and indoor/outdoor versatility.
