Global synthetic rubber market is valued at around 36.99 billion dollars in 2026. It is expected to reach USD 45 billion in 2035. Common types of this material include NBR, EPDM, SBR and BR. Only EPDM makes approximately 18% of the market and NBR holds 16%.
Therefore in today’s article, we provided a detailed explanation of the differences between EPDM vs Nitrile rubber. So you can decide which option is perfect for your manufacturing business.
What is EPDM Rubber?
EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber or man made material produced from ethylene, propylene and a small amount of diene. These substances make EPDM strong and flexible. Its abbreviation is Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer/
Engineers use diene to create rubber structure. Then they adjust its amount to change the properties of the final rubber. Further, it belongs to the M-class rubber group under ASTM D1418. It has exceptional properties as well as a wide range of industrial applications.
EPDM Rubber Grades
- Standard industrial EPDM works well for general industrial products like seals, gaskets, hoses and other rubber parts.
- Peroxide cured EPDM uses peroxide during the curing process. You can use it for parts that face high temperatures.
- Foam EPDM has a lightweight structure with small air spaces. It is ideal for seals, insulation, weatherstrips or cushioning.
- Non-black EPDM does not use carbon black as its main filler, so you can make it in lighter colors.
What is Nitrile Rubber?
Nitrile rubber is also a variety of artificial rubber and it is known as NBR, Buna-N or acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Actually NBR is made from two main materials.
They include butadiene and acrylonitrile. It can handle oil, fuel and many other chemicals. Because of this property, it is among the most commonly used synthetic rubber in the world.
NBR Rubber Grades
- Low ACN (18-30%) NBR has low acrylonitrile content and lower oil resistance.
- Medium ACN (33-36%) NBR with a medium level of acrylonitrile content and offers a good balance of oil resistance & strength.
- High ACN (40-50%) NBR contains a high level of acrylonitrile content, so it provides excellent oil and fuel resistance.
Comparison of EPDM vs NBR Rubber
| Property | EPDM | NBR |
| Resistant to oil & fuel | Low | High |
| Temperature range | -50°C to 150°C (high in some scenarios) | -40°C to 120°C or more |
| Water & steam resistance | High | Limited |
| Fight against weather & UV | Excellent | Low |
| Chemical performance | High | Moderate |
| Ozone resistance | Very high | Moderate |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Mechanical durability | Good | High |
| Raw material shelf life | 5 to 15 years | 5 to 10 years |
| Applications | Roofing, HVAC, water systems, construction seals, outdoor automotive seals | Hydraulic systems, oil seals, O-rings, fuel systems, hydraulic gaskets |
| Outdoor Uses | Highly suitable | Limited |
| Price per kg | $2.38 to $3.02 | $2.32 to $2.91 |
Oil and Fuel Resistance
EPDM has poor resistance to oil and fuel. You should not use it for parts that have regular contact with petroleum-based oils or fuels. Because these fluids can cause EPDM to swell or lose its mechanical strength.
In contrast, NBR has excellent resistance to fuel and oil. This rubber can maintain its shape and properties better in these conditions. Hence, it is perfect for parts that have regular contact with engine oil, gasoline and diesel etc.
Temperature Adaptability
NBR Temperature Resistance: Nitrile rubber performs well within a moderate temperature range. You can use its common grades at -40°C to 120°C. However, long exposure to high heat can make this material hard or less flexible.
EPDM Temperature Resistance: EPDM can handle a wide range of temperatures. This material can survive in hot and cold conditions. Most of its compounds can manage temperatures between -50°C to +150°C.
Water & Steam Resistance
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber has excellent tolerance to moisture, hot water and steam. Due to this property, it is a good choice for applications that use hot water or low to medium pressure steam.
From the perspective of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, it has lower water and steam resistance as compared to EPDM. So, it can only work in some water based applications.
Weather and UV Resistance
EPDM works well under long-term exposure to sunlight and harsh weather. Basically, it has a saturated backbone that can resist damage from UV rays, rain & ozone. You can use this raw material for the manufacturing of outdoor products to make them durable.
Nitrile rubber offers lower resistance to UV rays, ozone and weather. The reason is, its chemical structure can react with ozone and oxygen. This can cause the rubber to crack and lose flexibility after long outdoor exposure.
Chemical Resistance
EPDM works well with water-based chemicals, acids, alkalis as well as many polar chemicals. You can use it for parts that contact water based fluids, diluted acids and alkaline solutions.
But Buna-N offers less resistance to chemicals than EPDM. Therefore, long contact with water based chemicals, acids or alkalis can make this rubber soften, crack & lose its strength.
Flexibility
EPDM Rubber Flexibility: This synthetic rubber can stay flexible and soft in cold conditions. It can also keep its flexibility during heat exposure. Because of this property, EPDM as a raw material is a favorite choice of manufacturers who need rubber that can bend and move without becoming stiff.
Nitrile Rubber Flexibility: On the other hand, NBR also offers good flexibility but its performance can change more with temperature. For example: it can become stiffer in cold conditions. Plus, nitrile rubber can lose some flexibility after long exposure to high heat. Overall, it provides good flexibility in more moderate conditions.
Mechanical Durability & Service Life
EPDM can handle friction, pressure and repeated movement without quick damage. Unused (unvulcanized) raw material can last around 5 to 15 years. After curing, EPDM’s service life depends on how you use it. For example, it can stay in good condition for 10 to 15 years in automotive parts and 20-30 years or more in water/HVAC systems.
NBR performs very well when abrasion and mechanical stress are the main concerns. Nitrile rubber as raw materials can usually have a shelf life of around 5 to 10 years. Under ISO 2230, NBR falls into Group B elastomers. It has an initial storage period of 7 years with a possible 3 year extension after inspection.
Cost
| Region | EPDM Price Per kg | NBR Price Per kg |
| North America | $2.65 | $2.91 |
| Europe | 2.85 US dollars | $2.87 |
| Northeast Asia | $2.38 | 2.32 USD |
| Southeast Asia | $3.02 | $2.78 |
Applications
EPDM Rubber Uses are listed below:
- Outdoor electrical systems
- Construction sealings
- Roofing applications
- Water handling systems
- HVAC equipment
- Exterior automotive seals
NBR Rubber Uses include:
- Hydraulic oil
- Nitrile O-rings
- Oil seals
- Rubber washers
- Hydraulic gaskets
- Industrial sleeves
- Fuel systems
- Rubber bushes
EPDM Rubber Benefits
- Its flexibility and versatility allow you to use it for many rubber products that need bending and movement.
- EPDM can work well in hot and cold temperatures without quickly losing its flexibility or strength.
- You can use it where the product faces water, rain, sunlight, ozone and outdoor weather for long periods.
- The material can handle hot water and steam, which makes it useful for these conditions.
- You generally need less maintenance when you use it in suitable conditions.
- It is able to handle pulling and repeated movement plus don’t tear easily.
- In addition, this raw material also provides good electrical insulation. The reason is that it does not allow electric current to pass through easily.
- This material is budget-friendly to buy as well as fully recyclable.
Although EPDM offers several benefits, it also has some weaknesses.
- Poor oil and fuel performance
- Limited chemical compatibility
- Swelling in petroleum-based fluids
- Limited flame resistance
Nitrile Rubber Advantages
- NBR offers good resistance to nonpolar solvents and many chemicals.
- The material is able to handle water exposure and high temperatures.
- Its high tensile strength helps it handle demanding uses.
- Because of good resistance to permanent deformation, it can return to its original shape after compression.
- Its excellent elongation allows it to stretch without breaking easily.
- Nitrile rubber is ideal when you need a reliable seal against air and water.
Nitrile rubber has many useful features, but it also has few limitations.
- Poor ozone resistance
- Limited flame resistance
- Higher gas permeability
- Limited electrical insulation
- Expensive for some high-performance grades
Which Raw Material You Should Choose For Your Manufacturing Facility?
If you are a factory owner, engineer or rubber product wholesaler, we suggest you to always match the raw material (either EPDM or NBR) with the needs of your final product. Below, you can see when they are a better choice for your manufacturing requirements and conditions.
| EPDM Raw Material is Suitable For | NBR Raw Material Recommended For |
| Roofing flat and low-slope roofing systems | Automotive (gaskets, hoses, seals fuel systems) |
| HVAC systems, seals and gaskets for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems | Oil and gas: seals for equipment and pipelines |
| Automotive (seals, rubber hoses & weatherstripping) | Industrial sealing such as seals for machinery and hydraulic systems |
| Outdoor playground surfaces (EPDM granules for playgrounds and sports fields) | Rubber parts for agricultural machinery |
| Pond liners and geomembranes (pond, lake, landfill or agricultural irrigation liners) | Medical and healthcare, such as medical gloves and disposable medical products |
| Marine: boat rub rails, dock bumpers plus other sealing products | Construction (seal strips, seals, pipes, hoses) and consumer products (footwear, kitchen appliances) |
RONTEIX Manufactures Automotive Hoses From NBR & EPDM
We have spent more than 18 years in the automobile and industrial hoses production industry. So, according to our experience, right material and manufacturing process are very important when you need automotive hoses in bulk. RONTEIX uses EPDM and NBR as raw materials to make various hoses for different automotive needs.
To convert them into finished hose products, our engineering team uses methods such as rubber extrusion, mandrel forming, vulcanization and reinforcement.
We use EPDM to produce:
- Radiator hoses
- Coolant hoses
- Heater hoses
- Thermostat hoses
- Water pump hoses
NBR serves as the material for:
- Automotive fuel hoses
- Engine oil hoses
- Hydraulic hoses
Conclusion
So EPDM and NBR have their own strengths and few drawbacks. We recommend you to carefully compare both materials before you buy them. Choose that synthetic rubber which best fits your product, operating conditions and production requirements. Because the right material can affect your overall product’s performance, durability, quality and lifespan.
FAQs
Is Nitrile Rubber Food Safe?
Nitrile rubber can be food safe in case you use a certified food-grade version that meets standards such as FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. Standard industrial NBR mostly does not suit direct food contact.
Is Nitrile Rubber Toxic?
Nitrile rubber is generally non-toxic and stable under normal use. However, some raw materials used to make NBR can be harmful. But still, the finished rubber is generally safe for everyday uses.
From Where I Can Source These Rubber Raw Materials?
You can get EPDM & NBR raw materials from rubber manufacturers, chemical suppliers or industrial distributors. Major rubber producing countries include Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and United States. We also recommend you to check B2B platforms like Alibaba or Kompass to find suppliers.
What Should I Consider Before Buying NBR and EPDM?
Before you purchase these rubber raw materials, first analyze the rubber grade, ACN level for NBR and other properties that we discussed above. The most important thing is to check the supplier’s certifications and production capacity. If you need a custom grade, you should confirm company’s OEM support.
Is EPDM Rubber Flammable?
Standard EPDM rubber can burn if you expose it to an open flame. However, you can add flame retardant additives to create special EPDM grades. Then it will offer better fire performance and higher fire ratings.
Is EPDM Rubber Toxic?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber is generally considered non-toxic in its solid and cured state. In fact, it is stable and safe for widespread consumer, industrial plus food-contact use.
