Gaskets in EPDM rubber: production and applications

Elastomers are a type of material that is extensively used in industry for their interesting chemical and physical properties. These substances, of either natural or synthetic origin, are highly malleable, rendering them an excellent choice for the widest range of applications.

EPDM is one of the most appreciated elastomers for its resistance, durability and versatility. In the GBL production departments, this material is chosen to manufacture efficient industrial components, such as gaskets, and hydraulic and fluid-power seals.

The wide range of options offered by our catalogue is further widened by the potential of our technical department and the laboratories with which we work and that allow us to create products to design with personalised compounds, perfectly compatible with your applications.

Gaskets in EPDM rubber: product information

The name EPDM stands for Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer. This is a material belonging to the M group of rubbers, i.e., saturated and nonpolar. This elastomer is synthetic in origin and is composed of long, saturated and stable molecular chains of ethylene, propylene and diene.

It can be purchased (or made) with differing percentages of ethylene and diene; different mixing ratios result in a material with the same basic properties, the same fields of application and the same limits of use.

The properties of EPDM rubber: chemical resistance, flexibility and versatility

EPDM has notable properties that are considered to be useful and valuable in a wide range of industries that vary in sector and characteristics. What are the benefits of EPDM rubber?

Elevated resistance to wear and ageing.
Excellent mechanical properties.
Good resistance to deformation and excellent elasticity. EPDM rubber can, in fact, stretch to up to 300%, pulling in various directions without ever being subject to failure. Furthermore, it returns to its original shape extremely rapidly, even after passing long periods of time in traction.
Good resistance to abrasion.
High resistance to ozone and oxygen.
Excellent resistance to UV-radiation.
Elevated water
Extreme resistance to heat, including heat from hot water and extremely hot steam. It can resist low temperatures of between -25° and -45°C and high temperatures of +130/150°C (variable according to composition and treatment). It also easily resists repeated changes in temperature.
It is well-suited to colouring.
It can also come into contact with acids (both organic and non-organic), diluted alkali, ketones, alcohols, silicone oils, saline solutions, ethers, glycols, amines, antifreeze hydraulic liquid, detergents and whitening agents.
It offers effective electrical, thermal and acoustic insulation.
It is highly chemically stable and does not alter its properties on contact with other materials.

Types of expanded EPDM rubber; sulphur or peroxide

EPDM rubber is usually vulcanised with sulphur, but it can also be found in the form of a material vulcanised with peroxide. This modification lends this elastomer an even higher-than-average resistance to temperature, further widening the range of applications.

On the contrary, by raising the quantity of ethylene, the elasticity and flexibility of EPDM rubber are increased, while an increase in diene results in increased density, faster vulcanisation and superior resistance.

EPDM rubber: gaskets and other applications

This material guarantees tight seals, performance and reliability when put to the test in a wide range of applications. This renders it the chosen material for many sectors, and it successfully covers a wide range of uses and applications.

GBL collaborates with industries operating in a highly varied number of fields, constantly offering personalised solutions that fully respect the requirements of the relative order. EPDM rubber can be used for:

the automotive industry and for the creation of seals for doors, windshields or car boots, as well as gaskets for brakes, radiators and both heating and cooling circuits.
the construction and for the creation of gaskets for pipes, taps, doors, water-treatment plants, underlays for roofs or seals for air-conditioning systems.
the agriculture sector, for the construction of key components for machinery such as combine harvesters and tractors, which are subject to considerable stress and wear.
the production of conveyor belts.
the food industry, using exclusively EPDM rubber that has been certified for contact with water and food (usually peroxide EPDM rubber that is free of sulphur, a substance that is not suitable for this type of application).

GBL: producers of EPDM-rubber gaskets.

Part of the GB Group, the GBL brand is specialised in the production of moulds for articles in thermoplastic, rubber and rubberised fabric. We handle the design, production and distribution of gaskets in EPDM rubber, as well as hydraulic and liquid-power seals.

A constantly updated production department works in harmony with skilled and qualified technicians who are capable of creating components to design that are perfectly in line with your projects. To guarantee you constant and satisfactory quality standards, we have also applied for and obtained the following certifications:

Furthermore, thanks to cooperation with the other group companies, GB and GBS, we can serve as your most reliable partners for the creation, design and production of customised parts, tailor-made to your requirements.