EPDM gaskets
EPDM is the abbreviation for ethylene-propylene-diene(monomer) rubber and belongs to the M-group of rubbers. Within the framework of the classification of rubbers, seals made of this sealing material are thus assigned to the non-polar saturated rubbers. The material is a high-quality, rubber-elastic, synthetic elastomer made of very long, saturated and highly stable molecular chains, the macromolecules ethylene, propylene and diene. Other trade names are, for example, BUNA-AP®, KELTAN® and NORDEL®. Due to the diverse properties and resistances of EPDM, the sealing material can be used in many areas of application.
Available EPDM materials at Rehm Dichtungen Ehlers GmbH
EPDM sealing material is available to us in various versions and different hardness ranges (approx. 25-80 Shore). We obtain a large part of it from the Austrian manufacturer Semperit. We are the second-largest dealer for Semperit. Semperit stands for the highest and most consistent product quality. Sustainability and good traceability of materials are also signs of the company. All EPDM qualities from Semperit are free of halogens and conflict materials. They are also REACH and RoHS compliant. In addition to Semperit qualities, the material is also available in import quality and CooperStandard. In the area of foamed materials in combination with EPDM components, we offer cellular rubber and sponge rubber.
Semperit: Standard qualities
E 4580
EPDM E 4580 is sulphur cross-linked, suitable for use in various automotive parts and complies with various automotive standards - such as VW2.8.1G50.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 50 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.05 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 8 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 500 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Complies with various automotive standards (VW2.8.1 G50)
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
E 9566
The sulphur-cured EPDM E9566 is our standard quality and also meets various automotive standards. The material is also characterised by a very good price-performance ratio.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 70 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.30 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 7 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 250 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Complies with various automotive standards (VW2.8.1 G70)
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
E 9614
EPDM E 9614 is a favourable peroxide nourished quality. It retains its physical values for a short time even at high temperatures up to +140 °C and is therefore used in the automotive industry.
Technical data sheet:
E9614 EPDM 70 Shore peroxide cross-linked
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 70 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.22 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 9 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 200 |
Approvals and certifications:
- slight decrease in physical values at high temperatures
- Complies with various automotive standards (VW2.8.1 G70)
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
E 9575
The EPDM E 9575 is sulphur cross-linked.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 80 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.30 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 5 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 200 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
Semperit: Special qualities
E 628
The EPDM E628 is suitable for gaskets and equipment.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 70 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.12 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 11 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 250 |
Approvals and certifications:
- certified according to ACS
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
E 2514
EPDM E2514 is the successor of E628, suitable for contact with drinking water and certified according to the ELL and W270 standards as well as the British WRAS.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 67 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.09 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 9 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 200 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Certified according to elastomer guideline (ELL+W270) for cold and hot water
- certified according to WRAS
- certified according to ACS
- Complies with DIN EN 681-1
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
Fire protection materials
E 2441
This EPDM E2441 has the fire protection classification according to DIN EN 45545 for material with a thickness of 2 to 10 millimetres.
Technical data sheet:
E2441 EPDM 60 Shore Fire Protection
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 60 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.12 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 7 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 300 |
Abrasion [mm³] | ISO 4649 | 350 |
Tear resistance [N/mm] | ISO 34-1 | 6 |
Fire behaviour | R22/HL2 R23/HL2 |
EN 45545-2 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Fire protection classification for 2 to 10 mm thickness according to DIN EN 45545 Part 2: 2016-02 for requirement sets R22/R23
- 2-5 mm: Type class HL2
- 6-10mm: Type class HL3
- Meets vehicle fire classification according to EU Directive 95/28/EC and US FMVSS 302
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
Newly developed EPDM qualities
E 9568
This material corresponds to the sulphur-cured EPDM E9566, but is PAH-free. It therefore does not contain any polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of concern.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 70 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | Approx. 1.30 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 6 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 250 |
Approvals and certifications:
- PAH free
- Complies with various automotive standards (VW2.8.1 G70)
- Corresponds to WDK guideline 2201
- SVHC-free
E 563
EPDM E623 is a special compound for films from 0.3mm. The sulfur cross-linked gasket material has good resistance to weathering and ozone, as well as to strong bases;
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 | 75 +-5 |
Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183-1 | Approx. 1.19 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37-S2 | 10 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37-S2 | 250 |
Import qualities
EPDM/SBR 50 Shore
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 50 +-10 |
Density [g/cm³] | Approx. 1.35 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | 4 |
Elongation at break [%] | 250 |
EPDM/SBR 65 Shore
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 65 +-10 |
Density [g/cm³] | Approx. 1.4 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | 4 |
Elongation at break [%] | 250 |
EPDM/SBR 80 Shore
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 80 +-10 |
Density [g/cm³] | Approx. 1.4 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | 4 |
Elongation at break [%] | 200 |
EPDM/SBR 65 Shore with insert
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 65 +-10 |
Density [g/cm³] | Approx. 1.4 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | 4 |
Elongation at break [%] | 250 |
EPDM/SBR light 65 Shore
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 65 +-10 |
Density [g/cm³] | Approx. 1.5 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | 5 |
Elongation at break [%] | 300 |
CooperStandard
A-KF 25-00 EPDM
This EPDM is sulphur cross-linked. It complies with DBL 557.10.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 / 3s | 25 +- 5 |
Density [g/cm³] | DIN EN ISO 1183 / ISO 2781 | 1,00 +- 0,02 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37 | > 3,5 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37 | > 400 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Rebound resilience > 50%
- Very high elongation
- corresponds to DBL 5571.10
- PAH free
A-KJ 50-00 EPDM
This EPDM is peroxide cross-linked and can be used up to 150 °C for short periods.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | ISO 7619-1 / 3s | 50 +- 5 |
Density [g/cm³] | DIN EN ISO 1183 / ISO 2781 | 1,05 +- 0,02 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37 | > 12 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37 | > 350 |
Approvals and certifications:
- PAH free
- corresponds to VW 2.8.1 G50
- Makrolon and Plexiglas -resistant
- Can be used for short periods up to 150 degrees Celsius
Other elastomers
EPDM 30 Shore
EPDM 30 Shore is very resistant to ozone, weathering, acids and basic alkalis
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 30 +-5 | |
Density [g/cm³] | ASTM D397 | Approx. 1.06 +- 0.03 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM D412 | >10 |
Elongation at break [%] | ASTM D412 | 600 |
EPDM 55 Shore Heat
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 55 +-5 | |
Density [g/cm³] | ASTM D397 | Approx. 1.15 +- 0.03 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM D412 | >5 |
Elongation at break [%] | ASTM D412 | 250 |
EPDM 70 Shore
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
Hardness [Shore A] | 70 +-5 | |
Density [g/cm³] | UNE 53526 | Approx. 1.23 |
Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ISO 37 | >9 |
Elongation at break [%] | ISO 37 | 200 |
The properties of EPDM as a sealing material
Even though EPDM is available in different mixing ratios (mainly due to the ethylene and diene content), the material has a number of fundamentally identical properties. Based on the saturated main chain, the synthetic rubber is characterised by very good ageing resistance and high resistance to ozone, UV radiation, heat and oxygen. In addition, seals and gaskets made of EPDM are resistant to heat and weather. Furthermore, the material is resistant to hot steam, hot water and polar media, including diluted acids and alkalis, alcohols, ketones, salt solutions and silicone oils. Finally, the high electrical resistance should be mentioned in the area of properties.
EPDM is usually sulphur cross-linked, but also exists as a peroxide cross-linked material. Peroxide cross-linking achieves a significantly higher temperature resistance. A higher ethylene content improves low-temperature flexibility and elasticity. A higher proportion of diene ensures a higher cross-linking speed and density as well as strength.
A disadvantage of this material is its resistance to non-polar media, such as greases, mineral oils and fuels.
The advantages and material properties of EPDM at a glance
Seals and sheets made of this material are characterised by the following advantages:
- Resistant to hot water and steam,
- Good resistance to polar media
- against alcohols and ketones,
- as well as against organic and inorganic (weak) acids and bases.
- fire-, heat- and weather-resistant,
- resistant to UV light and ozone,
- Good long-term behaviour or good ageing resistance
- and good electrical insulation properties.
In summary, EPDM is resistant to various chemical, mechanical and thermal stresses. Thanks to the molecular structure and its compounds, seals made of this material are flexible.
The limits and disadvantages of EPDM
When using gaskets made of EPDM, however, the limits and disadvantages of the elastomer should also be taken into account. For example, flat or flange gaskets made of EPDM are not resistant to various chemical substances, such as fuels, lubricants or solvents. Aggressive chemicals or cleaning agents in particular can damage the EPDM gasket and thus impair its function. For oil-resistant seals, the sealing material NBR is suitable. In addition, temperature restrictions apply to EPDM seals. The temperature range of the material is approximately between -10°C and +140°C. However, the exact temperature range depends on the respective composition of the material. The exact temperature ranges are given on the respective technical data sheets. For higher temperature requirements, FKM or silicone should be considered in the elastomer range.
Differentiation of EPDM from other sealing materials
The sealing materials EPDM and NBR are synthetic rubbers, but they have some differences to each other. While EPDM is produced by polymerizing ethylene and propylene, NBR is produced from nitriles and butadiene. Accordingly, the two materials differ in terms of their resistances. Among other things, seals made of EPDM have good chemical resistance to polar media and organic and inorganic acids and bases. In addition, the gasket material is resistant to UV light and ozone and is therefore considered to be resistant to weathering and aging. The resistance to weathering and aging represents a major difference from NBR, as nitrile butadiene rubber does not have this resistance. However, NBR seals stand out primarily because of their good resistance to fuels, oils and solvents. Another difference between the two materials lies in the temperature range in which they can be used. Flat or flange gaskets made of EPDM can be used in a wider temperature range than gaskets made of NBR.
Differences can also be named in comparison with the rubber FKM. Seals made of fluororubber have a higher temperature range than EPDM seals. EPDM, on the other hand, has better aging resistance than FKM.
EPDM resistances at a glance
Material designation | Ozone and weather resistance | Oil and petrol resistance | Acid resistance | Strong bases | Wear resistance |
Semperit E2514 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | constant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E628 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | constant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E2441 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | Well resistant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E9575 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | Well resistant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E9614 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | Well resistant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E9566 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | Well resistant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E4580 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | Well resistant | conditionally stable |
Semperit E9568 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | Well resistant | Not suitable |
Cooper Standard A-KF 25-00 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | constant | conditionally stable |
Cooper Standard A-KJ 50-00 | Well resistant | not durable | constant | constant | conditionally stable |
The way to your EPDM flat gasket
The qualities presented and available at our company are first subjected to a quality control at goods receipt. Only then, after approval, is the sealing material stored in the form of rolls and sheets at the respective storage location. This enables us to guarantee a consistently high quality, also with regard to the respective sealing material.
EPDM belongs to the group of gasket materials that can be processed in all our manufacturing processes. The selection of the most suitable manufacturing process for your EPDM flat gaskets depends on the number of pieces, the respective contour and the thickness of the material. The unprocessed roll or sheet material is then processed into the individual EPDM flat gasket using the selected process. In addition, it is possible to apply a self-adhesive film to the roll or sheet material in advance and then process it into your self-adhesive EPDM gaskets using the manufacturing processes. Self-adhesive gaskets serve exclusively as an assembly aid without changing the properties of EPDM. In addition to the production of flange and flat gaskets, we also offer unprocessed rolls or sheets as well as cut-to-size yard goods made of EPDM for your own further processing. Here, too, we offer the option of applying self-adhesive finishes to the material.
After completion of the production and a renewed quality control, the seals are packed and shipped to you.
Application areas of EPDM gaskets
EPDM is used as a sealing material in many areas and industries. The elastomer is available in rolls and sheets. As a gasket manufacturer, we primarily cut these into flat gaskets, strips and blanks as required.
For example, seals made of this material are used in construction as pipe seals for drinking water and waste water.
EPDM is excellently suited as a sealing material of various water-bearing building elements such as in water pipes in outdoor areas, seals in water taps or door seals. Therefore, the flat and flange gaskets can also be used in water treatment plants to prevent leakages and leaks. The black elastomer is also well suited as a carpet pad for green roofs, as it is resistant to root penetration. In the automotive industry, EPDM seals and other components made of this material are increasingly being installed in safety-relevant parts of car brakes. Another application we know of is in the sealing of radiator, heating and ventilation hoses. In agriculture, too, seals made of EPDM are used in various agricultural machines such as combine harvesters or crop strippers, due to their very good aging resistance.
Other technical rubber products include the area around the topic of conveyor belts, which is also covered in depth under the item conveyor belts. Finally, we also stock EPDM materials with approvals for contact with drinking water and foodstuffs.
As a sealing material, the material offers a diverse range of applications and performs excellently, providing reliable protection.
We will be happy to answer whether the elastomer is also suitable for your purposes. Please contact our customer service, who will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice.