etylengummidienrubber

etylengummidienrubber, commonly known as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM), is a synthetic elastomer formed by copolymerizing ethylene and propylene in the presence of a small amount of a diene monomer. The diene provides reactive sites for vulcanization, enabling crosslinking without affecting the main polymer chain.

Common dienes used are ethylidene norbornene (ENB), dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), and vinyl norbornene (VNB). The diene content is typically 2–12%. The polymer is vulcanized, usually by sulfur-based systems or by peroxide curing; peroxide curing offers higher heat and chemical resistance and is favored in some electrical and automotive applications.

EPDM offers outstanding resistance to weathering, ozone, UV light, and aging, along with good low-temperature flexibility and electrical insulation. It resists hot water and steam and many chemicals, but shows relatively poor resistance to petroleum-based oils and non-polar hydrocarbons compared with several other rubbers.

Manufacturing methods include slurry- or solution-polymerization processes, and EPDM can be fabricated by extrusion, molding, or calendering. It is often compounded with fillers, processing oils, and curing agents to tailor properties for specific end uses.

Applications include weatherstripping and seals for automotive and construction, radiator and heater hoses, appliance gaskets, roofing membranes, and electrical insulation components. EPDM is chosen where ozone resistance, weather resistance, and long-term durability are critical, providing a favorable balance of performance, processability, and cost within the family of diene rubbers.