Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber made up of ethylene and propylene with a small amount of a third monomer (usually a diene). Its molecular structure has a single bond, chemically saturated backbone, which makes it a polymer with excellent resistance to heat, weather and other demanding conditions. As the increasing demand of reducing the CO₂ footprints, the ethylene propylene diene monomer from renewable ingredients has attracted more and more attention.

Synthesis of Bio-based Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer

Ethylene propylene diene monomer synthetic rubber was firstly created in the mid-1960s. As mentioned above, ethylene propylene diene monomer is a copolymer of ethylene, propylene and a small amount of non-conjugated diene monomers (3%-9%) which provide cross-linking sites for vulcanization (rubber hardening). The ‘bio-base’ in this material is attributed to the ethylene component of the ethylene propylene diene monomer. The ethylene content of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber is around 45%-75%, and the higher the percentage, the more filler loading possibilities are presented.

Ethylene can be produced naturally by plants and some microbes that live with plants. And bio-based ethylene can supplement or replace fossil fuels as a base in chemical industry, using renewable sources of carbon such as waste biomass (plant matter). The general synthesis route is in figure 1 ^[1].

Fig. 1 The production process to make bio-based ethylene from carbohydrate biomass

Applications

Due to its outstanding resistance to weather, ozone, and heat, as well as reduced dependence on fossil resources, and reduced carbon footprint. Bio-based ethylene propylene diene monomer is mainly used in the following four industries.

• Automotive industry

Automotive industry is the most common application of bio-based ethylene propylene diene monomer. Because of its flexibility, resiliency, and weatherability, bio-based ethylene propylene diene monomer can be found in door seals, window seals, trunk seals, and sometimes hood seals. Other uses in vehicles include cooling system circuit hoses, water pumps, thermostats, exhaust gas recirculation valves, exhaust gas recirculation coolers, heaters, oil coolers, and radiators.

• Industrial applications

Because of its electrically insulating and waterproof properties, as well as its resilience and flexibility. Ethylene propylene diene monomer can be found in parts such as water system O-rings, hoses, and gaskets, as well as in electrical insulators and connectors for wire and cable.

• Construction

Due to its insulating, weatherproof, and waterproof capabilities, bio-based ethylene propylene diene monomer can be found in the applications of construction. Besides, it is also used for sealant, expansion joints, garage door seals, pool and tank liners, and waterproof coating for bitumen roofs. It’s even used on RV roofs.

• HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector)

DEthylene propylene diene monomer has many advantages, such as its low electrical conductivity, steam and water resistant, stability in both high and low temperatures and can the ability to withstand these conditions without becoming brittle and deteriorating. Bio-based ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber has a range of applications for use in the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector) taking the form of grommets, tubing, gaskets, seals, and insulation.

Our Bio-based Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomers

Alfa Chemistry provides a range of ethylene propylene diene monomers which are based on renewable raw materials.

Alfa Chemistry is a professional supplier of bio-based ethylene propylene diene monomer (bio-based EPDM). For high quality products, professional technical service, use suggestion and latest industry news, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Mendieta, C. M., Cardozo, R. E., Felissia, F. E., et al. Bioconversion of wood waste to bio-ethylene: A review. BioResources, 2021, 16(2), 4411-4437.

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