EPDM, NBR, SBR - which material to choose for rubber seals?
The selection of the right gasket material is a key element in the design of leak-free, durable and trouble-free plumbing systems and industrial structures. Even the best gasket geometry will not guarantee proper system operation if the rubber compound is not suited to the operating environment, pressure, temperature or type of medium.
For this reason, in professional applications - from infrastructure to industry - companies are increasingly taking advice from manufacturers specialising in rubber compounds.
MOL ROMGUM has been producing rubber seals for over 40 years from EPDM, NBR, SBR and technical compounds, helping B2B companies select the material that will provide the maximum airtightness and lowest operating costs.
Below you will find a detailed discussion of the properties of each material, their applications and tips on when to choose EPDM, NBR or SBR.
Why is the choice of gasket material so important?
In plumbing and industrial installations, gaskets operate in a wide variety of conditions. They can be exposed to:
- water and waste water,
- chemically aggressive substances,
- dynamic loads,
- large construction tolerances,
- temperature fluctuations,
- positive and negative pressure,
- soil migration and structural deformation.
If the material is selected incorrectly, the installation loses its tightness and the gasket becomes cracked, degraded or deformed. In contrast, a properly selected material extends the life of the entire installation by up to several times.
EPDM - the leader in plumbing and infrastructure components
EPDM is one of the most durable and versatile mixes used in the plumbing industry. It is the material of first choice wherever weather resistance and water contact are important.
Key properties of EPDM:
- very high resistance to water, moisture and waste water,
- ozone and UV resistance,
- stability over a wide temperature range,
- excellent flexibility even after many years of service,
- resistance to biological and chemical agents typical of sewage systems,
- not prone to cracking or crumbling.
EPDM seals from MOL ROMGUM are designed for many years of loading and constant contact with water or wastewater - which is why they are the choice of pipe manufacturers, water supply companies, prefabrication plants and installers.
Applications of EPDM manufactured by MOL ROMGUM:
- PVC, PP, PE sewage pipes,
- concrete pipes,
- rainwater drainage systems,
- sewage manholes and reinforced concrete elements,
- culverts, watertight transitions,
- prefabricated panels and joints exposed to moisture.
EPDM also performs well in installations exposed to high and low temperatures - it is stable and does not lose its elasticity even in harsh weather conditions, making it the „first choice” material in most developments.
NBR - the best choice for contact with oils and petroleum-based substances
NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber) is a specialised material used where standard EPDM gaskets fail - i.e. in environments rich in oils, fuels, greases and chemically aggressive substances.
Key properties of NBR:
- excellent resistance to oils, fats, fuels and greases,
- very good mechanical resistance,
- high durability in contact with petroleum-based substances,
- Dimensional stability and low abrasion,
- resistant to temperatures typical of industrial work.
NBR gaskets from MOL ROMGUM are primarily developed for industries that require strong, stable, oil-resistant materials.
NBR applications:
- seals for industrial machinery and equipment,
- sealing of hydraulic components,
- systems with contact with oils and fuels,
- industrial plants, treatment plants, power generation, chemicals,
- installations where EPDM is not sufficient.
NBR is therefore dedicated to special tasks - where plumbing ends and industry begins.
SBR - economical, flexible and ideal for prefabrication concrete
SBR is a material that works well in infrastructure components, especially where the gasket must compensate for large tolerances and operate under high compression.
SBR properties:
- high flexibility,
- very good compressive strength,
- favourable price with high functionality,
- suitable for large infrastructure components,
- stability in concrete structures.
MOL ROMGUM produces SBR gaskets mainly for the prefabrication sector, where it counts:
- durability at high component weight,
- the possibility of tolerance compensation,
- resistance to compression and deformation.
SBR applications:
- concrete wells,
- large-scale prefabricated infrastructure,
- reinforced concrete elements,
- constructions with high weights and tolerances,
- seals installed without pressure.
SBR is the most cost-effective solution for infrastructure projects where mechanical resistance and flexibility are key.
How does MOL ROMGUM help you select the ideal material for your application?
The choice of material cannot be random - which is why MOL ROMGUM offers professional technical advice based on many years of experience and analysis of the installation's operating conditions.
MOL ROMGUM engineers analyse:
- the type of medium (water, wastewater, oils, chemicals),
- operating temperature range,
- dynamic and static loads,
- positive pressure and vacuum,
- connection geometry,
- expected service life,
- industry specifics (plumbing, prefabrication, industry, energy).
This ensures that the company selects a mix that maximises durability, reduces the risk of failure and lowers the operating costs of B2B projects.
Bottom line - which material to choose?
EPDM - best for plumbing systems, resistant to water, UV, ozone and varying temperatures.
NBR - ideal for environments with oils and petroleum-based substances; indispensable in industry.
SBR - an economical and flexible material for precast and concrete structures.
Each material has its own application, so it is crucial that the choice of gasket takes into account the operating conditions of the installation.
MOL ROMGUM has been helping companies choose the right material, designing gaskets for the application and guaranteeing reproducible quality of workmanship for years, which translates into longer installation life and reduced service costs.