azmater.com Epichlorohydrin rubber offers excellent oil, fuel, and ozone resistance, making it ideal for gasket applications exposed to harsh chemicals and weathering. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber provides superior heat, steam, and weather resistance, suitable for gaskets used in automotive and industrial environments with high temperature and water exposure.
Table of Comparison
| Property | Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO) | Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals | Good resistance to acids, alkalis, and water; poor resistance to oils and fuels |
| Temperature Range | -40degC to 120degC (-40degF to 248degF) | -50degC to 150degC (-58degF to 302degF) |
| Weather & Ozone Resistance | Moderate resistance | Superior resistance to weathering and ozone |
| Water Resistance | Excellent water and steam resistance | Excellent water and steam resistance |
| Application | Ideal for gaskets in automotive fuel systems, oil seals | Commonly used in water, steam, and HVAC gaskets |
| Cost | Generally higher cost | More cost-effective |
Introduction to Gasket Materials
Epichlorohydrin rubber offers excellent oil resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for gaskets in automotive and industrial applications exposed to fuels and lubricants. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber provides superior weather, ozone, and heat resistance, suitable for gaskets used in outdoor environments and HVAC systems. Selecting between epichlorohydrin and EPDM depends on the specific chemical exposure and environmental conditions of the gasket application.
Overview of Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) exhibits excellent oil and fuel resistance, making it ideal for gaskets in automotive and industrial applications where hydrocarbon exposure is a concern. Its low permeability to gases and superior resistance to heat aging extend gasket lifespan compared to many other elastomers. ECO's chemical resistance to ketones, esters, and aliphatic hydrocarbons positions it as a robust sealing material in harsh environments.
Overview of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM)
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM) is a synthetic elastomer known for its exceptional resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, making it ideal for gasket applications in outdoor and automotive environments. It exhibits excellent flexibility over a wide temperature range (-40degC to 120degC) and maintains strong resistance to water, steam, and polar chemicals, which enhances its longevity and sealing performance. Compared to Epichlorohydrin rubber, EPDM offers superior heat resistance and compatibility with polar substances, making it the preferred choice for gaskets exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Key Physical Properties Comparison
Epichlorohydrin rubber offers excellent resistance to oil, weather, and ozone, making it suitable for gaskets exposed to hydrocarbon environments, with a typical tensile strength of 10-15 MPa and elongation at break around 300-450%. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber excels in heat, steam, and chemical resistance, especially in gasket applications needing resistance to polar substances, with tensile strength ranging from 7-17 MPa and elongation at break between 300-600%. Both materials show low compression set values, but Epichlorohydrin generally performs better in hydrocarbon resistance whereas EPDM withstands higher temperatures up to 150degC, making material selection dependent on the gasket's operational environment.
Chemical Resistance: ECO vs EPDM
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) exhibits superior chemical resistance to oils, fuels, and alkalis compared to Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber, making it ideal for gaskets exposed to hydraulic fluids and petroleum-based substances. EPDM rubber resists a broad range of polar chemicals, including water, steam, and weathering agents, but shows poor resistance to hydrocarbons and aromatic solvents. For gasket applications requiring robust resistance to oils and fuels, ECO provides enhanced durability, whereas EPDM is better suited for environments involving hot water, steam, or acidic conditions.
Temperature Range and Thermal Stability
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) offers a moderate temperature range of -40degC to 120degC with good thermal stability, making it suitable for applications requiring resistance to heat and oils. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber provides a broader temperature range from -50degC to 150degC and excels in thermal stability, especially in high temperature and weathering conditions. EPDM's superior heat resistance makes it preferable for gaskets exposed to elevated temperatures and harsh environments.
Durability and Aging Performance
Epichlorohydrin rubber offers superior resistance to oil, fuel, and weathering, making it highly durable in harsh environments, while ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber excels in UV, ozone, and heat resistance, providing excellent aging performance under outdoor conditions. Epichlorohydrin's molecular structure provides robust chemical stability but is less resistant to high temperatures compared to EPDM, which maintains flexibility and integrity over extended thermal exposure. For gaskets requiring long-term exposure to lubricants and moderate heat, epichlorohydrin is preferred, whereas EPDM is ideal for applications demanding exceptional resistance to environmental aging and extreme weather.
Application Suitability in Various Industries
Epichlorohydrin rubber offers excellent resistance to oil, fuels, and chemical exposure, making it highly suitable for automotive, aerospace, and industrial gasket applications where chemical stability and durability are critical. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber excels in outdoor environments due to its superior resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, commonly used in HVAC, water systems, and automotive cooling system gaskets. The choice between Epichlorohydrin and EPDM rubber depends on specific environmental exposures and industry requirements, emphasizing chemical resistance for Epichlorohydrin and environmental resilience for EPDM.
Cost-effectiveness and Availability
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) offers superior oil and chemical resistance, making it cost-effective for gasket applications in automotive and industrial settings due to its durability and moderate pricing. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is widely available and typically lower in cost, favored for gaskets exposed to weather, steam, and water, providing good value in non-oil environments. The choice between ECO and EPDM depends on budget constraints and specific chemical exposure, with ECO being more expensive but offering enhanced performance where resistance is critical.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Rubber for Gaskets
Epichlorohydrin rubber offers superior oil and chemical resistance, making it ideal for gaskets exposed to harsh fluids and temperatures up to 125degC, while Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) provides excellent weather, ozone, and heat resistance, suitable for outdoor and steam applications up to 150degC. Selecting the right rubber depends on the specific operational environment: Epichlorohydrin excels in sealing against oils, fuels, and chemicals, whereas EPDM is preferred for water, steam, and weather-resistant gaskets. Balancing chemical compatibility, temperature range, and environmental exposure ensures optimal gasket performance and longevity.
Infographic: Epichlorohydrin rubber vs Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber for Gasket