Apr 28，2025 by Dawn Group

HNBR vs. EPDM: Top 5 Performance Differences Explained

HNBR vs. EPDM

In the fields of industrial sealing, automobile manufacturing or energy equipment, choosing the right rubber material can significantly increase product life and reduce costs. HNBR and EPDM are two common high-performance rubbers, but which one is better?

As the world's leading HNBR supplier, Dawn Group uses laboratory data and industry experience to analyze the five major performance differences between the two materials to help you make a wise choice.

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Top 5 Performance Differences

Difference 1: Oil resistance

  • HNBR: It performs extremely well in petroleum-based media such as fuel and lubricating oil, and has strong resistance to swelling.
  • EPDM: It easily swells and deforms when exposed to oil, and is only suitable for water or polar solvent environments.

Applications:

  • HNBR: automotive oil seals, fuel pipe seals.
  • EPDM: coolant pipes, washing machine seals.

Difference 2: High temperature resistance

  • HNBR: Its long-term temperature resistance is -40°C to 150°C, and it can withstand 170°C in the short term.
  • EPDM: Its upper temperature resistance limit is 120°C, and it is easy to harden and crack at high temperatures.

Applications:

  • HNBR: turbocharger seals, industrial high-temperature valves.
  • EPDM: building waterproof membranes and low-temperature cooling systems.

Difference 3: Chemical resistance

  • HNBR: It is resistant to acid, alkali, ozone, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), suitable for chemical environments.
  • EPDM: It is resistant to polar chemicals such as ketones and alcohol, but sensitive to strong acids/alkalis.

Applications:

  • HNBR: refinery pipeline seals, chemical plant reactor liners.
  • EPDM: food-grade container seals, detergent packaging.

Difference 4: Mechanical strength

  • HNBR: It has a tensile strength of up to 30MPa, excellent wear resistance, and is suitable for dynamic sealing.
  • EPDM: It has good elasticity but low strength (about 15MPa) and is easy to wear.

Applications:

  • HNBR: Hydraulic cylinder seals, wear-resistant parts of mining equipment.
  • EPDM: Shock pads, door and window seals.

Difference 5: Cost and life balance

  • HNBR: Its initial cost is higher, but its life is 2-3 times that of EPDM, which is more cost-effective in the long run.
  • EPDM: Its price is low, but it needs to be replaced frequently (such as automobile cooling system seals are replaced once a year).

Quick Comparison Table

Property HNBR EPDM
Temp Range -40°C ~ 150°C+ -50°C ~ 120°C
Oil Resistance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Chemical Resistance ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Mechanical Strength ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Typical Uses Fuel systems, chemical seals Cooling systems, construction seals

Summary: How to choose between HNBR and EPDM?

Choose HNBR: It is suitable for high temperature, oil pollution, strong chemical corrosion, or high mechanical load scenarios.
 
Choose EPDM: It is suitable for static sealing with water medium, low temperature, or low cost priority.
 
If you decide to choose HNBR material, don't miss Dawn HNBR. Contact us now to get technical specifications!