What Is the Difference Between Epdm & Natural Rubber?
Table of Contents
Rubber products have a wide variety of uses. From home roofing to waterproofing and sealing of RVs, understanding the difference between EPDM rubber and natural rubber helps consumers to make an informed choice.
What is EPDM
EPDM Coatings, provider of EPDM products, describes EPDM rubber as a synthetic rubber polymer developed in the 1960s. EPDM is an abbreviation for ethylene propylene diene monomer, according to Construction-Index.com.
Layering
RoofHelp.com reports that EPDM roofs are single-ply, as opposed to other products that require multiple plies laminated together.
UV and Ozone
North Shore RV reports that EPDM doesn’t require maintenance with products to protect it from ultraviolet light, like natural rubber does. Rubber-Group.com states that natural rubber can degrade when attacked by ozone. EPDM has very high durability with ozone.
Resilience
According to AcmeRubber.com, EPDM rubber isn’t as resilient as natural rubber. Unlike natural rubber, EPDM should not be used with petroleum products.
Value
EPDM rubber offers the same color stability and durability in heat as natural rubber but at a lower price.
Temperature
EPDM is good for use in high temperature settings. Natural rubber is better in lower temperatures.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Connecticut, Vicki Holmes has been writing for 15 years and has a B.A. in English from The King's College. Drawing on her 20 years as a software trainer, she has authored ten software training manuals. Holmes, as an advocate/patient for sufferers of autoimmune illnesses, frequently writes about health-related topics.
Photo Credits
- Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Rothamel
- Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Rothamel
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