EPDM with High Strength, Resilience, and Fatigue Resistance of NR Also Demonstrates Superior Heat Aging Properties

Elastomers are used in a variety of applications for noise and vibration attenuation, and typically natural rubber (NR) is the polymer of choice.  NR offers high strength, outstanding fatigue,  and the ability to compound highly resilient formulations – ideal for higher frequency applications.

EPDM rubber is not typically used in applications requiring high strength and fatigue resistance, instead it is used where its superior weather and heat resistance is necessary.

High temperature demands are increasing in automotive and industrial applications, and are exposing shortcomings of NR which degrades quickly at elevated temperatures.

New technology allows for the production of an ultra-high molecular weight EPDM, with tailored molecular structure, which can match the strength and resilience of NR while maintaining these superior properties after high temperature exposure.  The high temperature performance of EPDM includes the ability to process at higher temperatures, thus improving molding productivity.

The ability to formulate an ultra-high molecular weight EPDM with dynamic properties surpassing typical EPDM and matching NR will be demonstrated.  Additionally, the EPDM will be shown to maintain properties, after heat exposure, far superior to NR.