Closed-cell elastomer foams seal out water, dust, air and noise — but EPDM, NBR and SCR each excel in different environments. Choosing by environment first, then by density and compression, avoids the classic failure of a gasket that takes a permanent set or swells in the wrong fluid.
EPDM — weather and water
EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene) is the go-to for outdoor sealing: excellent resistance to weather, ozone, UV and water, with a wide service-temperature range. It is ideal for enclosure gaskets, automotive weather seals and general environmental sealing — but it is not suited to oils and fuels.
NBR — oil and fuel resistance
NBR (nitrile) resists oils, fuels and many hydrocarbons that would swell EPDM. NBR/PVC blends add flame retardance and weatherability, making them common in HVAC insulation and gaskets exposed to petroleum-based fluids.
SCR — balanced and flame-retardant
SCR (chloroprene / neoprene) offers a balanced mix of weather, moderate oil and flame resistance, with good mechanical strength. Higher-density and FR grades suit transport, electronics and applications needing a robust, self-extinguishing seal.
Then specify the physicals
- Density — higher density seals harder and lasts longer under load.
- Hardness / compression deflection — match to the closing force available.
- Compression set — lower is better for a seal that must stay sealed.
- Thickness and tolerance — set by the gap it has to fill.
- Certifications — RoHS/REACH, flame rating where required.
Greenevo Synergy stocks EPDM, NBR and SCR foams in a range of densities and die-cuts them to your gasket profile — send the dimensions and the environment and we will recommend the grade.