What is Silicone Compatible EPDM Rubber?
EPDM or Ethylene-propylene diene monomer is one of the most widely used man-made synthetic rubbers. It is available in a range of hardnesses and densities in solid or closed-cell sponge form. It has outstanding weathering, ozone and chemical resistance making it very hard wearing with excellent insulating properties. This is what makes it so popular.
The only issue is when you need to use a silicone compound for sealing things like glazing structures as the two materials are not very compatible and don’t bond together effectively.
Compatibility is the ability of two different materials to coexist without adverse reactions, ensuring optimal performance and longevity in their combined use efficiently forming a homogenous system.
The solution is to use Silicone Compatible EPDM, an EPDM rubber which has been manufactured using the peroxide vulcanisation process. This curing also ensures that the rubber does not discolour or cause stains on metal and PVC.
Features and Benefits
EPDM compounds cured with peroxide have a superior chemical and thermal resistance, and compatible with silicone in structural glazing systems. This ensures that the glass is fully bonded or anchored back to a structure, including glass, frame and glazing components.
A consequence of incompatibility can be the loss of adhesion of the silicone sealants to the substrates. The Rubber Company manufactures a wide range of EPDM silicone compatible profiles for use in structural glazing systems and façades.
Quality Control
Our EPDM silicone compatible profiles have been tested and approved by the major manufacturers of silicone sealants for incidental contact (point contact) and non-structural applications. These include solid and closed-cell sponge EPDM.
Our EPDM material has been compatibility tested with the following Silicone sealants:
• Dow Corning® 3362 Silicone Insulating Glass Sealant
• Dow Corning® 791 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant
• Dow Corning® 895 Structural Glazing Sealant
• Dow Corning® 993 Structural Glazing Sealant
• Sikasil® WS-605 S
• Sikasil® SG-500
• Sikasil® SG-20
Applications
In structural applications, silicone adhesives are used to bond glass to metalwork. Rubber seals are then used to ensure a proper fit with a secure, weatherproof seal. It is therefore essential that the contact between these seals and the structural silicone is compatible.