Material Comparison
Compare verified engineering materials side by side with condition-specific mechanical properties.
| Parameter | Natural Rubber (NR) | Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Family | Rubber & Elastomers | Rubber & Elastomers |
| Subfamily | General-Purpose Diene Rubbers | Weathering & Chemical Resistant Elastomers |
| ASTM Designation | NR | EPDM |
| ISO Designation | NR | EPDM |
| ASTM-D2000 Designation | Type AA | Type BA / CA |
| Element | Natural Rubber (NR) | Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM) |
|---|
| Mechanical Parameter | Natural Rubber (NR)Standard Formulated Vulcanizate (Carbon Black Reinforced) | Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM)Peroxide-Cured High-Temperature Compound |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Set (22h at 70°C) · Standard Formulated Vulcanizate (Carbon Black Reinforced) · RANGE · 70 °CUnit: % | 15–35 % | — % |
| Compression Set (22h at 100°C) · Peroxide-Cured High-Temperature Compound · RANGE · 100 °CUnit: % | — % | 15–30 % |
Machinability: Cryogenically machined with liquid nitrogen (-196°C) to freeze elastomer below glass transition temperature (Tg ≈ -70°C) for precision lathe turning, grinding, or CNC waterjet cutting with abrasive garnets.
Formability / Cold Working: Masticated on two-roll mills or internal mixers (Banbury) to reduce Mooney viscosity prior to compounding. Readily molded via compression, transfer, or injection molding, and shaped via calendar sheet rolling and multi-cavity extrusion.
Heat Treatment & Annealing: Vulcanized via accelerated sulfur cure systems (typically 140°C to 160°C for 5 to 30 minutes) or semi-EV/EV (efficient vulcanization) formulations to optimize reversion resistance and minimize compression set.
Machinability: Cryogenically machined; waterjet cut without abrasive garnets for pure elastomer gaskets.
Formability / Cold Working: Readily compounded in internal mixers with high paraffinic oil and carbon black loading. Extruded into dense and sponge weatherstrip profiles with continuous microwave/hot-air vulcanization (HAV) lines; precision injection molded.
Heat Treatment & Annealing: Vulcanized via sulfur-accelerator systems for rapid extrusion cure or organic peroxide systems (dicumyl peroxide, DTBP) for superior compression set, heat resistance up to 150°C, and steam resistance.