EPDM and silicone are two popular rubber materials that are widely used in homes, cars, and industrial applications. While they have many uses, sealing doors and windows is the most common. Additionally, EPDM and silicone gaskets are extensively used in machinery to improve performance. Whether it’s keeping rain out of a car or sealing medical equipment, each material has a specific role. So, how do you determine which one is better suited for your needs? This EPDM vs Silicone Rubber Guide will help you decide.
What is EPDM Rubber?
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This synthetic rubber is well-known for its impressive durability. If you’re looking for a material that can withstand the test of time outdoors, EPDM is often the go-to choice. It is designed to perform even in the harshest environments.
Key features of EPDM include:
- Highly flexible: EPDM retains its elasticity even in cold temperatures.
- UV and ozone resistant: It does not crack or degrade under sunlight exposure.
- Water-resistant: EPDM is one of the most water-resistant rubbers, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
There are three main types of EPDM rubber: solid, foam, and sponge. Solid EPDM is dense and durable, great for high wear resistance. Sponge EPDM is softer and more compressible, commonly used in sealing applications. Foam EPDM is lightweight and easily shaped, often used for padding and insulation.
Where Will You Find EPDM?
EPDM is a trendy rubber material. You can find it in many uses near you. They are commonly used in automotive, construction, household items, electrics, etc. Check out the following table to learn more about its applications.
| Industry | Reason for Using EPDM | Examples |
| HVAC | High flexibility, excellent weather, and UV resistance | Seals for duct and insulation, EPDM sponge rubber tubing, Extruded EPDM rubber, EPDM rubber sheets |
| Electronics | Electrical insulation, chemically stable | Protective enclosures and cable insulation, EPDM self-adhesive rubber seal, Dense EPDM rubber tubing, EPDM sponge rubber extrusions with 3M tape |
| Automotive | Temperature, UV, and ozone resistance | Weather seals, door and window trim, Car door rubber seal, extruded EPDM door and window rubber seal strip, automotive EPDM solid rubber glazing gaskets |
| Construction | Durable, weatherproof, resistant to UV | Window and door seals, roofing membranes, extruded EPDM window seal, EPDM rubber seals, closed cell extruded seal, EPDM foam rubber seal |
| Machinery | Chemical resistance, flexibility in harsh conditions | Gaskets, hoses, and vibration-damping mounts, EPDM O-ring cord, solid square EPDM rubber cord, dense EPDM rubber tubing |
| Masking | Heat resistance, stable at high temperatures | High-temperature masking for painting or powder coating, EPDM E-shape rubber seal strip for cool room door, EPDM P-section rubber extrusion seal, T-shaped rubber seal strip for truck scale |
What is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone rubber is another highly durable and flexible rubber, made primarily from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Silicone rubber is known for its excellent performance in extreme temperature conditions, making it an ideal choice for both high and low-temperature environments.
Key features of silicone rubber include:
- High temperature resistance: Silicone rubber can withstand temperatures ranging from -60°C to 230°C.
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic: It is safe for food and medical applications.
- UV, water, and ozone resistant: Silicone does not degrade or lose color when exposed to sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Silicone rubber is available in three main forms: solid, flexible, and liquid. Solid silicone is dense and durable, used in applications where strength and longevity are required. Flexible silicone is used for sealing, and liquid silicone is used in injection molding to create rubber products.
Where will you find silicone?
Since silicone offers improved properties, it is used in various applications. The following table outlines the widespread applications of silicone rubber.
| Industry | Reasons for Using Silicone | Examples |
| Medical Devices | Biocompatible, non-toxic, withstands sterilization | Platinum-cured silicone tubing, silicone sheets, silicone rubber strip |
| Food Processing | Safe for food contact, temperature-resistant, easy to clean | Platinum-cured silicone rubber cord, silicone sheets |
| HVAC | High-temperature resistance, durable for sealing and insulation | Silicone foam tube, silicone rubber strip |
| Electronics | Electrical insulation, heat resistance, UV stability | Silicone rubber strips, silicone sponge sheet |
| Industrial Sealing | Resilient under pressure, long-lasting, resistant to oils and chemicals | Silicone sponge sheets, silicone rubber sheets |
| Aerospace | Extreme temperature tolerance, ozone, and UV resistance | Silicone sponge extrusion, silicone foam tube |
| Masking | High-temperature tolerance, reusable, resistant to chemicals | Silicone sponge sheet, silicone rubber strip |
| Automotive seals | Weatherproof, UV and ozone resistant, durable for door/window seals | Silicone rubber strip, silicone sheets |
| LED Lighting | Water and dust resistance protects against environmental exposure | Silicone foam tube, silicone sponge extrusion |
EPDM vs Silicone Rubber: A Technical Comparison
Now that we’ve reviewed the basics of both rubbers, let’s compare them technically based on their key characteristics.
- Temperature Resistance: EPDM performs well in temperatures ranging from -50°C to 150°C, whereas silicone excels with a wider range from -60°C to 230°C, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Oil Resistance: EPDM has low resistance to oils, grease, and hydrocarbons. Silicone, however, is largely inert to oil, with some specific grades offering excellent oil resistance.
- Tear Strength: EPDM generally has better tear strength compared to silicone, making it more durable in many sealing applications.
- Flexibility and Elongation: EPDM is more flexible and better suited for applications requiring extensive movement or bending. Silicone, though slightly less flexible in cold temperatures, performs well over a wide range of temperatures, making it ideal for extreme environments.
- Outdoor Durability: EPDM excels in outdoor applications, providing excellent UV and weather resistance, making it ideal for sealing windows, roofing, and other applications exposed to sunlight and ozone. Silicone, while durable, is better suited for indoor use.
Which Material to Choose?
If your project requires a rubber that can handle high temperatures, silicone might be the best choice. However, for outdoor applications where UV and moisture resistance are crucial, EPDM is the more cost-effective solution.
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