Technical advantage through material selection | 04-09-2025

 

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) is a synthetic elastomer that is widely used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries due to its excellent ageing resistance, its resistance to ozone, steam and numerous chemicals as well as its thermal properties. The performance of EPDM gaskets depends largely on the type of cross-linking - two methods are available: sulphur or peroxide cross-linking.

 

 

Gaskets vulcanized by sulphur are characterized by good mechanical properties such as tensile and tear strength. They are flexible and can be stretched considerably under dynamic loads without breaking. However, temperature resistance and chemical resistance are limited: sulphur-cured EPDM O-rings are suitable up to approx. 120 °C and show weaknesses when exposed to hot water, steam or aggressive cleaning media for longer periods. One advantage is their low manufacturing price.

 

 

In contrast, peroxide vulcanization creates stable carbon-carbon bonds. These chemical bonds give the material significantly higher thermal stability - with a temperature resistance of up to 150 °C in continuous operation. Resistance to hot water, steam, alcoholic media, organic acids and a wide range of industrial cleaning chemicals is also improved. The compression set values are also significantly better - a decisive advantage for use in hygienically sensitive production lines.

 

Advantages of peroxide cross-linked EPDM gaskets at a glance:

• High temperature resistance up to 150 °C
• Excellent resistance to ageing and ozone
• Longer service life and less maintenance
• High chemical resistance to acids, alcohols and cleaning media (resistant to CIP/SIP cleaning)
• Low compression set - ideal for permanent sealing function
• Suitable for hygienically demanding applications (e.g. drinking water, food, pharmaceuticals)

AWH relies exclusively on peroxide-cured EPDM

 

As a manufacturer of high-quality stainless steel components for demanding industries such as food technology, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, AWH only uses peroxide-cured EPDM for elastomer components such as seals. The decision is based on a clear understanding of quality: only peroxide-cured EPDM permanently meets the requirements for hygiene, temperature and chemical resistance in modern process plants.

 

 

It is true that the production costs for peroxide-cured EPDM are higher than for the sulphur variant. However, the added value is obvious: longer service life, lower maintenance requirements, fewer failures and stable operation with higher process requirements. This reduces downtime and increases operational reliability - an economic advantage over the entire service life of the system.

 

 

Peroxide-cured EPDM is not just a technical decision, but also a strategic contribution to system reliability. AWH stands for uncompromising quality - which is why you will only find this high-quality variant in our range. For further information or individual advice, please contact your AWH sales consultant.