EPDM vs Nitrile vs Viton - Rubber Material Selection

In this blog article, South Eastern Gaskets explains EPDM, Nitrile, and Viton properties to help you choose the right rubber for oils, water, and chemical sealing needs.

When it comes to sealing solutions, selecting the right rubber material is critical to ensuring performance, safety, and durability. Whether you are dealing with oils, water, or aggressive chemicals, EPDM, Nitrile, and Viton rubbers are among the most used compounds across industries. Understanding their properties and applications is essential to making an informed decision that minimises downtime and maximises reliability.

What Are Industrial Rubber Compounds?

Industrial rubber compounds are engineered materials designed to withstand specific operating environments. These compounds are formulated by combining natural or synthetic rubber with additives to achieve properties such as chemical resistance, flexibility, and temperature stability. By selecting the correct compound, industries can improve the performance of gaskets, seals, and O-rings in demanding conditions, whether in automotive, manufacturing, water treatment, or chemical processing applications.

EPDM Rubber

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is widely used for applications involving water and weather exposure due to its excellent resistance to moisture, ozone, and ageing.

Key Properties

• Outstanding resistance to water, steam, and weathering.
• Tolerates temperatures from -40°C to 120°C.
• Good flexibility and compression set resistance.

Typical Applications

• Potable water systems and plumbing seals.
• Weather stripping and outdoor gaskets.
• HVAC systems and steam applications.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective and versatile for water-related environments.	Limited resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels.
Excellent resistance to UV, ozone, and heat.	Not suitable for hydrocarbon-rich environments.
Non-toxic and suitable for potable water applications.

Nitrile Rubber (Buna-N)

Nitrile Rubber, also known as Buna-N, is the preferred material where resistance to oils and fuels is crucial. It is commonly used in applications that demand durability in the presence of petroleum-based fluids.

Key Properties

• Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and greases.
• Good mechanical strength and abrasion resistance.
• Temperature range between -30°C and 100°C.

Typical Applications

• Automotive gaskets and seals.
• Fuel handling and oil processing equipment.
• Industrial hoses and O-rings.

Pros	Cons
Reliable and affordable for oil and fuel applications.	Poor resistance to ozone, sunlight, and weathering.
Good resistance to wear and tear.	Limited performance in high-temperature environments.
Versatile for a wide range of industrial uses.

Viton (FKM) Rubber

Viton, a premium fluoroelastomer (FKM), is known for its exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and challenging environments.

Key Properties

• Superior resistance to chemicals, oils, fuels, and solvents.
• High temperature tolerance, ranging from -20°C to 200°C.
• Excellent durability and compression set resistance.

Typical Applications

• Chemical processing plants.
• Aerospace and automotive industries.
• High-performance sealing in critical systems.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional chemical and temperature resistance.	Higher cost compared to EPDM and Nitrile.
Highly durable for long-term applications.	Less flexibility in extremely low temperatures.
Suitable for aggressive industrial environments.

Custom Rubber Sealing Solutions from South Eastern Gaskets

The right rubber material—whether EPDM, Nitrile, or Viton—is vital for safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. South Eastern Gaskets provides high-quality sealing solutions tailored for industries including water treatment, automotive, and chemical processing. Our expert team ensures precise material selection and manufacturing to enhance performance and reduce costly downtime.

Contact us to share your specific requirements and see how our custom EPDM, Nitrile, and Viton solutions can enhance your operations and improve efficiency.