EPDM Foam ManufacturerEPDM vs NBR vs PVC foam: how to choose
The material decides how long a seal, gasket or insulation layer survives. This comparison sets out where EPDM foam wins, where it fails, and when NBR or PVC/NBR is the better answer.
The three families in one table
| Property | EPDM foam | NBR foam | PVC / NBR foam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous service temperature | about −50 °C to +150 °C (compound dependent) | about −40 °C to +100 °C (+120 °C special grades) | about −20 °C to +90 °C (+105 °C special grades) |
| Ozone resistance | Excellent — saturated backbone, essentially no ozone cracking | Poor — requires antiozonants and still degrades | Moderate — the PVC phase improves on plain NBR |
| UV / weathering | Excellent — accepted for long outdoor exposure | Poor — cracks, hardens and chalks outdoors | Moderate — indoor use preferred |
| Water and steam | Excellent, including hot water service | Good | Good |
| Mineral oil, grease, fuel | Poor — swells; never use in oil contact | Excellent — the classic oil-resistant elastomer | Good to very good |
| Acids and alkalis (dilute) | Good | Fair to good | Fair to good |
| Glycol (brake fluid) service | Excellent — EPDM is the standard brake-seal material | Fair | Fair |
| Relative cost | Medium | Medium | Low to medium |
Values are typical industry ranges for guidance. Final selection must always be confirmed against the datasheet of the specific compound and grade.
Five selection rules that cover most projects
- Outdoor, ozone, UV, water or steam exposure → EPDM. Roofing, facade sealing, HVAC lines and exterior gaskets are EPDM territory.
- Oil, grease, fuel or hydraulic fluid contact → NBR (or HNBR/FKM). Keep EPDM away from mineral oil; it swells and loses its compression set.
- Insulation plus light outdoor exposure at the lowest cost → PVC/NBR. Typical for indoor pipe and duct insulation, automotive trim and packaging.
- Brake fluid (glycol) service → EPDM only. This is one of EPDM's signature advantages.
- Bitumen contact → avoid EPDM. EPDM degrades in prolonged contact with bituminous materials, which matters for roofing details.
Where EPDM foam earns its place
Closed cell EPDM foam is the workhorse for sealing: automotive door, window and trunk seals, weather stripping, glazing and expansion-joint gaskets, HVAC and facade seals. Because the cells are sealed, the material combines low water absorption with thermal insulation and reliable recovery after compression.
Open cell EPDM foam is used where sound absorption and airflow matter more than water tightness: interior acoustic layers, appliance damping, electronics and construction finishing. Gabrielia Foam supplies three open-cell densities — Open-Cell A (80±10 kg/m³), B (100±10) and C (120±10) — plus Close-Cell from 70 to 200 kg/m³.
What to send us for an exact recommendation
Give us five data points and we can name the grade: the medium in contact, the temperature range (continuous and peak), the compression or sealing force, whether the part is indoors or outdoors, and any fire or automotive standard that applies. We answer technical requests within 12 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is EPDM foam better than NBR foam?
Neither is better in absolute terms. EPDM foam is the right choice for outdoor, ozone, UV, water and steam exposure; NBR foam is the right choice when oil, grease or fuel contact is involved. EPDM should never be used in continuous mineral-oil contact.
Can EPDM foam be used outdoors?
Yes. EPDM has a saturated polymer backbone, which gives it excellent resistance to ozone, UV and weathering. Properly formulated EPDM foam is used for roofing, facade and outdoor sealing applications.
Does EPDM foam resist oil?
No. EPDM swells in mineral oils, greases and hydrocarbon fuels. For oil-contact seals choose NBR, HNBR or FKM instead.
What temperature does EPDM foam work at?
Generic EPDM compounds are usually rated from about -50 °C to +150 °C for continuous service. Gabrielia foam grades are rated from -45 °C up to a peak of 180-182 °C depending on grade; continuous service limits are lower than peak values.