Article on EPDM

EPDM is a rubber material whose principal components consist of the compounds ethylene and
propylene. A flexible rubber matrix forms when a small amount of cyclopentadiene(the "catalyst") is
added to the mix.It has been available in a cured (vulcanized) state. It is only recently that EPDM has
been available as a liquid.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (or Terpolymer which is simply a product consisting of three
distinct monomers). The can contains the ethylene and propylene (plus a pigment) in a solvent. The
"catalyst" is the diene which when added to the ethylene and propylene form a chemical reaction. The
product is pure EPDM rubber. There are no additives in the product.
EPDM is classified as a Thermoset material which means it is either fully-cured prior to being installed
or that as liquid EPDM it cures during natural weathering after installation. EPDM roofs are single-ply
membranes meaning there is only one ply of roofing material, not multiple plies laminated together.
EPDM has been in use on roofs in the USA since the 1960's and is one of the most common types of
low-slope roofing materials. This is because it is relatively inexpensive, simple to install, and fairly
clean to work with when compared to conventional built-up roofs.

Liquid Rubber is a unique form of EPDM Rubber. As a liquid it can conform to any shape of roof,
flashing, or protrusion, vertical or horizontal, and can be applied easily with a paintbrush, roller, or
airless sprayer for larger areas. When mixed with a catalyst it cures by chemical reaction to form a
self-adhering seamless sheet.
EPDM rubber has been used in sheet form for more than 30 years. It is probably the most durable
roofing product ever developed. Liquid Rubber is identical chemically to the sheet EPDM but with the
distinct advantage of being a liquid. Because Liquid Rubber and vulcanized EPDM have identical
chemical composition, they have very similar performance characteristics.
EPDM rubbers have a long history of reliability in automotive and industrial applications. Radiator
hoses in cars and gaskets on freezer doors are made of EPDM rubber. This illustrates its true ability
to perform in extreme environments.

Properties of Ethylene-Propylene Elastomers

Cured membrane of Liquid EPDM
Polymer Properties
Specific Gravity
Color

0.87
Available white or black

Vulcanizate Properties
Hardness, Durometer
Tensile Strength, Mpa (psi)
Elongation, %
Compression Set B, %
Useful Temperature Range
Brittle Point

30A to 90A
6.9 to 20.7 (1000-3000)
100-600
20-60 *
-50 to 150C (-60 to 300F)
-50C (-60F) **

Volume Resistivity, ohm-cm

Dielectric Strength,v/mil
Dielectric Constant
Tear Resistance
Abrasion Resistance
Resilience
Adhesion to Metal

1016 to 1017
500-1000
2.2 to 3.0
Fair to Good
Good to Excellent
Fair to Good
Fair

Environmental Resistances
Ozone
Oxygen
Oils and Gasoline
Water
Steam
Oxygenated Solvents
Halogenated Solvents
Phosphate Fluids
Alkali's
Acids, Dilute
Acids, Concentrated
Electrical Properties

Excellent
Excellent
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Good to Excellent
Fair to Poor
Good to Excellent
Good to Excellent
Excellent
Good to Excellent
Excellent

Features
Advantages

Limitations

Electrical Properties
Low Temperature Flexibility
Resistance to Weathering, Water,Steam,Heat
Cost
Hydrocarbon resistance
Temperature above 177C (350F)
Flame Resistance