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ethylene-propylene monomer

rubber
Also known as: EPM

Quick Summary

Ethylene-propylene monomer (EPM) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) are synthetic rubbers created by combining ethylene and propylene. These copolymers offer excellent resistance to electricity and ozone, along with good processing capabilities.1

EPM is made solely from ethylene and propylene, while EPDM includes a small amount of a diene, typically ethylidene norbornene or 1,4-hexadiene. Both types contain about 60% ethylene by weight and are produced using Ziegler-Natta catalysts.12

A key advantage of EPDM is that its reactive double bonds are on side groups, making it more resistant to weathering and sunlight than traditional diene polymers where double bonds are in the main chain. EPM is used in automotive parts and as a modifier for polypropylene. EPDM finds applications in automotive seals, wire insulation, hoses, and roofing. EPDM can also be blended with polypropylene to create thermoplastic elastomers used in products like shoes and sealing strips.12

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