EPDM rubber is a type of synthetic rubber that has versatile utility in a variety of industries and applications. It is often referred to as EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), ethylene-propylene terpolymer or ethylene-propylene diene monomer. The chemical composition of EPDM rubber is comprised of long molecules called polymers interconnected by physical bonds which becomes the base material for this type of elastomer.
One of the key properties that make EPDM rubbers so unique is its excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, providing an ideal material for use in automotive and construction applications. The superior tensile strength and durability makes it an optimal choice for harsh outdoor conditions like being exposed to rain, sleet, snow, ultraviolet rays, ozone and salt water. It offers superior heat resistance compared to other rubbers and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 120°C. Ideal for outdoor use, it retains flexibility even at sub zero temperatures.
Widely used in automotive industry, it is employed in production parts such as axle boots on wheeled vehicles, door seals and washers on car doors & windows, fuel filter housings in engines etc., due to its superior qualities such as durability & adaptability under harsh drivetrain conditions including failure protection & resistant to wear & tear. Moreover its excellent weather-proofing features helps in creating weathertight seals while also accommodating movement between components due to temperature changes or vibration.
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In addition ,it’s also popularly used across building products manufacturing industries like roofing membranes ,door & window seals ,garden hose insulation ,cable insulation etc., where high quality finish coupled with good resistance against weather conditions are required at the same time . Popular applications includes sealing flat roofs, producing insulation materials for wall cladding systems & waterproof linings for tanks among many others .These properties adds great value making EPDM rubbers one of the most sought after product by major building products manufacturers .
Overall ,EPDM rubbers offers a host of diverse advantages due its inherent properties making it a widely used product amidst various industries with specific application requirements such as automotive ,building products etc., fulfilling their exact needs effectively with efficient cost benefits thereby making it an essential part of modern industrial production today .
The production process of EPDM rubber is a composite involving the integration of advanced sciences. Specifically, SUV/van/light truck tires/seals, coolant hoses and air conditioning systems (Automotive OEM Applications), roofing membrane membranes, door and window seals, cable insulation and garden hose insulation (Building products), wire and cable insulations manufacturing industries are the primary consumers of this product.
The manufacturing process of EPDM rubber involves three stages; Synthesis, Extrusion or Molding, and Finalizing. During the synthesis stage, ethylene, propylene and butadiene are combined to form the rubber base material. These monomers are blended in tanks where they undergo a reaction resulting in long molecular chains referred to as polymers. Thus formed polymer turns into an amorphous liquid which can be further treated for solidifying through extrusion or molding (Process Stage 2).
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During the Extrusion or Molding phase, the fluid rubber compound passes through an extruder machine or cast into molds depending on its design purpose – usually small cylindrical shapes such as O-rings or seals. For bigger components like tires or hoses, molding techniques may be utilized when liquid rubber is poured into tailored molds prior to hardening (Process Stage 2).
After all successive stages are finished, EPDM products must pass concluding tests to ensure their compliance with quality standards before delivery or usage. It involves physical tests including tensile strength test and elongation; chemical resistance exams; color fastness evaluations; dimensional stability evaluations; visual inspections for imperfections etc., all playing their part significantly towards how well an EPDM product operates under various circumstances.(Quality Control).In addition to these three steps there are other relevant procedures such cooling/curing , mixing additives ,compounding , dust removal etc .which contribute substantially towards generating high quality output with consistent characteristics .The useful life for an EPDM based component terminates upon disposal post use in its intended application.
Top 5 manufacturers of EPDM Rubber along with their production capacity are mentioned below:
|
Dow Chemicals |
390000 Tonnes |
|
Arlanxeo |
384000 Tonnes |
|
Kumho Petrochemicals |
240000 Tonnes |
|
Lion Elastomers |
200000 Tonnes |
|
ExxonMobil |
180000 Tonnes |
Dow Chemical is enlisted as the largest producer in the world. Currently, company is operating three high quality synthetic EPDM rubber plants, two in Plaquemine and one in Texas. The second unit in Plaquemine with annual capacity of 200 thousand tonnes per annum was commissioned in 2019. The facility produces NORDEL metallocene EPDM dedicated for the fastest growing Automotive and Construction markets in the North America.
Lanxess is the only manufacturer worldwide that offers both solution and suspension (slurry) technology. The combination of two different processes enables Lanxess to produce a very wide range of EP rubber products from very high molecular weight and high ethylene grades produced in suspension to amorphous, moderate molecular weight grades. Both processes offer distinct advantages. Lion Copolymer (acquired Chemtura (acquired Uniroyal earlier) in 2007 for their elastomer business) and Versalis are also among the largest producers of EPDM and having their own developments in production and processing technologies. Kumho polychem had announced in May 2021 to take the full ownership of the synthetic rubber JV with JSR group in 2021.
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