Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
EPDM Rubber
EPDM is the standard elastomer for water, steam, ozone, and outdoor weathering applications — its ethylene-propylene backbone contains no double bonds, making it inherently resistant to UV and oxidative attack. We stock EPDM sheet rubber in solid, sponge, expanded, and fabric-insert forms (40–90 Shore A durometer, 1.5–25 mm thickness) for sealing, insulation, and vibration dampening applications.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
-50 °C to +130 °C continuous (peroxide-cured); +120 °C (sulphur-cured); intermittent to +150 °C
Thickness Range
0.5 mm to 25 mm
Hardness Range
40–90 Shore A
Available Forms
Colours
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Physical Characteristics
Density
1.10–1.35 g/cm³
Tensile Strength
5–15 MPa (ASTM D412)
Elongation at Break
200–500% (ASTM D412)
Compression Set
15–35% at 70 °C / 22 h (ASTM D395)
Tear Strength
15–25 kN/m typical; up to 40 with reinforced/specialty grades (ASTM D624)
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Water and saturated steam (peroxide-cured grades to ~150 °C; sulphur-cured limited to ~120 °C)
- Dilute acids and alkalis
- Ozone and weathering
- Ketones (acetone, MEK)
- Alcohols and glycols
- Phosphate ester hydraulic fluids (Skydrol service to ~+105 °C continuous)
- Silicone oils and greases
- Brake fluids (glycol-based)
Limited Resistance
- Concentrated acids
- Aromatic solvents at elevated temperature
- Strong oxidising agents
Not Recommended
- Petroleum oils, fuels, and greases
- Mineral-based hydraulic fluids
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene)
- Halogenated solvents (chloroform, carbon tetrachloride)
- Concentrated nitric acid
Environmental Ratings
Weather Resistance
Excellent. UV and ozone stable, suitable for permanent outdoor exposure.
Ozone Resistance
Excellent. No cracking per ASTM D1171.
UV Resistance
Good in black compounds, which resist UV degradation; coloured compounds may require UV stabilisers.
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Certifications
Common Applications
- Potable water system gaskets and seals
- Steam and hot water service gaskets
- Outdoor weather seals and expansion joints
- HVAC ductwork gaskets and vibration mounts
- Brewery, dairy, and food processing seals (FDA grades)
- Automotive cooling system gaskets
- Chemical processing (dilute acids, alkalis, and ketones)
- Roofing membranes and pond liners
- Electrical insulation and cable jacketing
- General-purpose industrial gaskets
Not Recommended For
- Not suitable for petroleum oils, fuels, or mineral-based hydraulic fluids; use nitrile instead
- Swells rapidly in aromatic solvents like benzene or toluene. For solvent service, switch to FKM or FFKM
- Limited resistance to concentrated acids — consider PTFE or fluoroelastomers
- Maximum continuous temperature is 150 °C. Above that, specify silicone or FKM
- Coloured grades may fade under prolonged UV without stabiliser additives
Available Grades
Standard EPDM (60 Shore A)
General-purpose black EPDM sheet with excellent ozone and weather resistance. Our highest-volume grade for water, steam, and general industrial sealing.
EPDM FDA White
Food SafeFood-safe white EPDM formulated to meet FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 requirements. Used in food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical, and potable water applications.
EPDM Peroxide-Cured
Peroxide-cured for improved compression set, lower extractables, and better high-temperature performance compared to sulphur-cured grades.
EPDM PWA (Potable Water Approved)
Certified to AS/NZS 4020 for contact with drinking water. Available in black and blue for easy identification in potable water systems.
EPDM Expanded / Sponge
Closed-cell expanded EPDM for low-pressure sealing, cushioning, and thermal insulation. Excellent weather and UV resistance in outdoor applications.
EPDM Fabric-Insert
EPDM bonded to one or two plies of nylon or glass fabric for added tear resistance and dimensional stability. Used in large-format gaskets and diaphragms.
Related Resources
Related Materials
Need EPDM Rubber?
We supply epdm rubber in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.