Most general-purpose elastomers, like Neoprene, can significantly diminish their lifespan when exposed to weather and sunlight conditions. EPDM gaskets is an excellent choice for use in Architectural Profiles, Weather Seals, Waterproofing Membranes, Expansion Joints, and other external building product applications because of its inherent ability to tolerate ambient water, harsh weather, and temperature extremes.
Know About EPDM:
The main component of the mixture used to make these Epdm gaskets, Profiles, or Membranes is EPDM. Oil, carbon black, and vulcanization processes are additional ingredients; however, EPDM is what gives the finished product its distinctive qualities. The finished rubber product is created by first creating the rubber compound in huge mixers, shaping it into a profile or molded item with an extruder, and then vulcanizing it by heating the vulcanized compound at 240–260 degrees Celsius in a microwave oven.
Why is Connection Between EPDM And The Construction Industry?
Superior UV and ozone resistance, extended life, and suppleness are all features of EPDM rubber products. Because of this, the Building Construction Industry, which accounts for 40% to 45% of global EPDM usage, places a high value on EPDM. This industry largely consists of the Curtain-wall Industry, Aluminium Fabrication Segment, uPVC Doors & Windows Segment, and Expansion Joint Segment. Curtain Walling systems make up the majority of applications (40%) in this category. Due to its inherent property of being ozone resistant, EPDM Expansion Joints are largely used in the Roads & Bridges segment of the building construction industry.
Characteristics of EPDM Gaskets
- When a rubber composite is vulcanized, the process is permanent. Heating will not change the shape of the material because it won’t melt; instead, it will burn. The rubbers are referred to as thermoset materials as a result.
- Carbon black is added to the compound to offer finished rubber products flexibility in addition to strength. Rubbers can only be made in black as a result.
- Thermal aging, which maintains outstanding deflection recovery performance and has superior heat aging qualities and the capacity to tolerate various environmental variations.
- Excellent resistance to UV and ozone assault, preventing migration and discoloration as a result.
How to Choose Right EPDM Gaskets
An engineer or designer must be ready to respond to a number of queries regarding the physical, mechanical, and chemical resistance features necessary for the seal when choosing the optimum elastomer for a sealing application. Gathering this information about the material’s intended use and the functional needs of the seal in the application will help to ensure that the material maintains its physical properties over time and in the presence of temperature, environmental factors, and time, unless the material specifications have been pre-designated.
Looking closely at what the application will demand of the compound is the best location to start gathering knowledge. Examine the characteristics and usage circumstances of the original material for replacement items. This data can serve as the basis for determining which qualities of the new material are preferred and which are undesirable. The characteristics of materials used in similar applications can offer useful knowledge for new products.
Physical properties:
- Requirements for compression deflection or dense hardness range, or tensile strength and elongation (sponge)
- At operating and room temperatures, compression
- UV, heat, ozone, and storage needs
- Color (if color matching is desirable or necessary) (if color matching is desired or necessary)
- Aesthetics
Mechanical Properties:
- Speed of deflection recovery
- Flexibility
- The openness to gasses
Chemical Resistance Properties:
- A defense against acids or caustics
- Petroleum-based solvents
- Oxidizing agents
- Tear
- Abrasion
Applications of EPDM Gaskets
EPDM is a powerful, long-lasting, and reasonably priced alternative that provides superior performance for usage in a variety of applications, such as:
Outdoor:
EPDM gaskets are perfect for use in outdoor applications because they can tolerate high temperature changes, water, and UV radiation.
Electrical:
EPDM gaskets are ideal for a variety of electrical applications due to the material’s strong electrical resistance.
Open Joints:
EPDM gaskets are suitable for applications where a joint may occasionally open up because they offer good compression set resistance that enables rapid recovery.