EPDM Tubing
EPDM tubing, or EPDM hose, is made out of a non-polar elastomer technically
referred to as ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. EPDM rubber is one
of the most popular synthetic rubbers for general-purpose and specialty uses,
and it continues to grow. EPDM rubber products include EPDM tubing, EPDM hose,
EPDM washers, EPDM belts, EPDM electrical insulation and much more. Specifically,
EPDM tubing is commonly used for many automotive applications, such as windshield
washers, heater and coolant hose, vacuum-operated accessories and emission
systems, plus air and shop hose and water and garden hose.
EPDM tubing resists electricity and works well with fireproof hydraulic fluids,
ketones, hot and cold water, alcohols, alkalis and some acids but not with
most oils, gasoline, kerosene, hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents and concentrated
acids. EPDM tubing resists the effects weather can have over time and has similar
resistance to heat, ozone and oxidation. EPDM tubing can also be developed
to emphasize flame retardance, tensile strength, tear and abrasion resistance,
low-temperature flexibility, compression set resistance and oil swell resistance.
As EPDM's versatile polymer designs continue to be developed, EPDM tubing
will become even more varied.
EPDM can make up the inner tubing or outer covering of a hose, or both. EPDM
hose is often made by blending in other synthetic rubber compounds, such as
SBR, and reinforced in certain ways, which include polyester layers, embedded
helix wire, steel wire braiding and spiral high-tensile textile cords. EPDM
tube or hose can also be coated to greatly increase chemical resistance. Offering
color stability, EPDM tubing and hose can come in red, black, blue, yellow,
green and grey.