All about EPDM
EPDM is een breed inzetbaar materiaal en kent vele varianten met allemaal hun eigen eigenschappen en toepassingen. Als grondstof heeft het vele voordelen; het gaat lang mee, heeft een goede bestendigheid tegen invloeden van het weer en is zeer geschikt voor afdichtingen. Op deze pagina vertellen we er graag meer over.
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What is EPDM?
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This is a group of synthetic rubbers created through the polymerization of ethylene, propylene, and a diene. This process results in a thermoplastic polymer, with one of the two double bonds in the diene monomer remaining intact. This allows the polymer to be vulcanized. When the diene content is higher, a greater degree of vulcanization can be achieved, resulting in a "stiffer" type of rubber. When mixed with carbon black and other fillers, it ultimately forms rubber.
Which characteristics does EPDM have?
EPDM has many positive properties. It is water-resistant, has high elasticity, and can be used at temperatures ranging from -35°C to 120°C. Even under these extreme cold and heat conditions, the material will maintain its elasticity. Additionally, EPDM is highly resistant to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It also withstands salts, bases, and acids well. Furthermore, the material has high durability, ensuring a long lifespan.
EPDM producten van EKI
Wat zijn de verschillende typen?
At EKI, we primarily work with four different types of EPDM. The first material in our range, and our most common one, is EPDM closed-cell foam. This material is relatively soft and thus easily compressible. After compression, the foam returns to its original shape due to its excellent mechanical properties. We offer EPDM closed-cell foam in various hardness levels and thicknesses, ranging from very soft to around 50 Shore A. Our very soft variants can be compressed completely, while the harder ones can be compressed up to about 25%.
The second type of EPDM material we provide is EPDM rubber. This rubber is firmer and therefore less compressible than the closed-cell foam variant. It has a long lifespan and is also highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and other weathering effects.
The third type of EPDM we offer is EPDM sponge rubber. Unlike the closed-cell foam, sponge rubber has a skin around the open cell structure, making it water- and air-tight. This skin also prevents moss formation on the material. While it shares many properties with the previous two variants, sponge rubber additionally functions to block steam and gases.
Lastly, we have EPDM film in our range, which is ideal for sealing or protecting elements from air and water. This material is very durable and has similar properties to the materials mentioned above, including good water and weather resistance.
In which EKI products is EPDM processed?
The EPDM raw material can be used to create various products. In our range, you will find closed-cell foam, rubber, sponge rubber, and film made from this material.
We process EPDM closed-cell foam into many different forms, including foam tape, blocks, rings, rolls, sheets, and discs. Our products are commonly used as sealing tape and draft strips, often in the construction and automotive industries. EKI 400 is our best-selling product in this category.
EPDM rubber is available from us in forms such as sheets, strips, rolls, rings, and blocks. The firmer variants are frequently used as cushioning rubber in heavy load applications that require good pressure distribution. Our best-selling product in this category is EKI 270.
EPDM sponge rubber is mainly supplied in various profiles, such as D-profile, P-profile, and crown band. These are widely used for sealing around window and door frames.
How is EPDM applied?
All four types of EPDM are used in different ways due to their various properties. For example, closed-cell foam is primarily used as sealing tape and draft strips, commonly found in the construction and automotive industries. Most forms of EPDM closed-cell foam from EKI can be supplied as unglued, single-sided, or double-sided adhesive.
EPDM rubber is most commonly associated with EPDM roofing. However, in our products, the material is processed differently. For the products in our range, the rubber is mainly used for seals and cushioning applications. It can also be used for electrical insulation and shock absorption. This material is also available with adhesive properties.
Due to its water and air-tightness, EPDM sponge rubber is often used in seals where there is significant contact with water or where higher air pressure is present. Additionally, sponge rubber can be processed into various profiles such as D-profile, P-profile (bead profile), and crown band. These profiles are particularly used for sealing around window and door frames.
Lastly, our EPDM film is suitable for sealing and protecting various elements, such as in construction. This film is effective in preventing leaks and moisture, and can also be used to block air permeability, for example, in airtight building applications.
Frequently asked questions
Receiving advice on EPDM?
Do you have questions about EPDM or their application for your business? Please let us know using the form below. Our team of specialists will be happy to think along with you.
