Synthetic rubbers
Synthetic rubbers offer versatile solutions with a wide range of mechanical and chemical properties. With the many formulations available, they suit a broad spectrum of industrial applications, combining competitive costs with reliable performance.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is a highly versatile synthetic rubber, known for its excellent resistance to weathering, ozone and UV. Its polymer backbone contains no double bonds, which makes it extremely stable against oxidation.
Its operating temperature range is typically –40°C to +130°C (with peaks up to +150°C). It is widely used in the construction, hydraulic, automotive and small domestic appliance sectors, especially where reliability and long-term durability outdoors are required.
- Excellent resistance to ozone, UV and weathering thanks to its saturated polymer structure;
- Good resistance to steam and hot water up to +150°C;
- Operating temperature range: –40°C to +130°C (peaks at +150°C);
- Sectors: construction, hydraulics, automotive and small domestic appliances;
- Not suitable for contact with mineral oils, hydrocarbons and non-polar solvents.
Other speciality rubbers
NBR is a nitrile butadiene copolymer rubber whose oil resistance is directly proportional to its acrylonitrile (ACN) content: the higher the ACN content, the greater the chemical resistance, but the lower the flexibility at low temperatures. With excellent mechanical properties and good chemical resistance to mineral oils, fuels and technical fluids, it is used mainly in automotive, hydraulics and industrial applications. Its operating range is typically –30°C to +120°C (up to +150°C for short periods).
– Resistant to mineral and synthetic oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids
– Excellent mechanical performance (abrasion, tear strength)
– Operating temperature range: –30°C to +120°C
– Widely used in automotive, hydraulics and industrial applications
– Not suitable for exposure to ozone, UV and aromatic solvents
VAMAC is DuPont’s trade name for the family of ethylene acrylic elastomers (AEM), which offer excellent heat resistance — with an operating range from –30°C to +175°C in continuous use — and good resistance to high-temperature oils and to the fluids used in modern transmission systems. It outperforms NBR at high temperatures while retaining good flexibility at low temperatures. It is used for hoses, gaskets and components that must withstand high stress in demanding environments, typically in the automotive sector.
– Excellent continuous heat resistance up to +175°C (peaks at +200°C)
– Good resistance to oils and high-temperature transmission fluids
– Better high-temperature performance than NBR
– Ideal for hoses, gaskets and components in high-temperature automotive environments
– Limited resistance to fuels and polar solvents