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EPDM and Fluorine: Chemical Resistance

Ethylene propylene diene rubber

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
concentration not statedDD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Fluorine: Material comparison at 20 °CEPDM: D (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; PTFE: A; PVC Rigid: A; Viton (FPM): C.ECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: APTFE: APVC Rigid: AViton (FPM): CPMP: CAluminium: DEPDM: DEPDMHDPE: DLDPE: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DAcetal (POM): DPP: DPolystyrene: DPolysulfone: DPVDF: DSAN: DSS 304: DSS 316: DPVC Flexible: –Silicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

EPDM is not resistant (D) to Fluorine and should not be used in direct contact. The chemical is expected to cause rapid degradation, which can include dissolution, cracking, severe swelling, or complete structural failure of the material.

Application context

Fluorine is commonly encountered in surface cleaning and laboratory work. EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene rubber) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. Because Fluorine is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

EPDM is not recommended for use with Fluorine. The D rating indicates that the material will suffer rapid and severe degradation, which may include cracking, dissolution, severe swelling, or complete structural failure. Using this combination risks equipment damage, leaks, and potential safety incidents. Consider using PVC Rigid, ECTFE/ETFE, FEP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

Ethylene propylene diene rubber is commonly chosen for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections because of its combination of chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and cost-effectiveness.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Thermoplastics
PVC Rigid A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A

About EPDM

EPDM resists water, steam, alkalis, ketones and alcohols. Mineral oils, fuels and aromatic solvents swell it severely.

Rating scale

A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.

About this data

The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.

A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.