EPDM is widely used because of its suitability for outdoor use. It is low cost polymer which resists water, air ageing and many chemicals and has a wide temperature range. It does not have any oil resistance and care should be taken with this formulation when used in direct contact with some plastics.
Properties

• the most water resistant type of rubber - also very resistant to most water based chemicals
• very inert structure, remains stable over long periods of time
• can withstand temperatures of up to 130°C for extended periods of time (months)
• very good weathering resistance
• easily compounded and processed

Limitations

• will not resist oil or oil based products
• compression set not as good as some other rubbers, but can be improved by careful compounding
• formulation needs careful consideration when used in contact with some plastics (e.g. ABS) as some plasticisers move from the EPDM into the plastic and can discolour or swell the plastic.

Typical Applications

• general engineering without exposure to oil.