The water/steam + weathering specialist
Excellent for outdoor/ozone/UV and many aqueous chemicals. Not for oils or fuels.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Also called | EP, EPM, EPDM (diene-modified) |
| Typical service temp | –60/–67°F to +300/302°F (steam + hot water by compound; some steam grades short-term to ~400°F) |
| Hardness range | 40–95 Shore A (common: 70/80/90) |
| Cure systems | Sulfur (better low-temp) • Peroxide (better heat & compression set) |
| Strengths | Water/steam, glycol brake fluids, ozone/UV/weathering, many acids/alkalis, alcohols/ketones |
| Limitations | Petroleum oils, greases, fuels, aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbons |
| Actual limits vary by compound and media—verify in your service conditions. | |
BEST FOR
- ✔ Water/steam service, CIP cleaners, many aqueous chemicals
- ✔ Glycol-based brake fluids; phosphate-ester hydraulic fluids
- ✔ Outdoor exposure: ozone/UV/weather resistance
- ✔ Need electrical insulation properties
Not For
- ✘ Mineral oils, diesel/gasoline, petroleum greases
- ✘ Aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbons, di-ester lubricants
- ✘ Hydrocarbon process fluids
Popular EPDM Options
- General Purpose: 70A – 90A black
- NSF/Water Service: 70A black (NSF/UL variants)
- FDA/Medical: 70A white (FDA/3-A), clear options
- High-Temp/Peroxide-Cured: improved heat & compression set
- Refrigerant / R744-compatible grades (e.g., 90A black)
Inch (AS568) and metric sizes. Custom sizes and colors on request.
Engineering Notes
- EPM vs EPDM: EPDM includes a diene for cross-linking; broader cure options.
- Cure selection: Peroxide-cured EPDM generally offers better heat & compression-set than sulfur-cured (common for long-term hot water/steam).
- Chemistry profile: Excellent with water, glycols, many acids/alkalis, alcohols, ketones, silicone oils/greases; poor with petroleum oils/fuels.
- Applications:
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Water treatment & plumbing • Food/beverage washdown (select FDA/NSF compounds) • HVAC • Automotive brake systems (glycol) • Outdoor enclosures • General industrial aqueous service.
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