What's the difference between EPDM and Silicone Rubber

What's the difference between EPDM and Silicone Rubber

EPDM is a weather-proof rubber that stays flexible in various climatic conditions like humidity, heat waves, and rain. It stands for ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, which is a synthetic rubber with properties of weather resistance. This makes it a widely chosen material for manufacturing industrial components like sealants, hoses, and gaskets for construction and automotive industries, as well as for creating waterproof components like electrical cable insulation. The EPDM market share is roughly US$ $8–9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach US$ $12 billion or more by 2029, reflecting an annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.47%.

Silicone rubber, on the other hand, is a flexible and durable material made from silicone, a type of polymer that includes silicon and carbon. It is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, resist chemicals, and maintain stability over time. These qualities make it suitable for various products, including automotive parts, medical devices, electronics, and kitchenware. The global silicone rubber market is experiencing steady growth at approximately USD 2.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.4 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%.

The growth of these two materials is driven by increasing demand across various industries, and their versatile use makes them a crucial material in many industries worldwide.

How is EPDM Different from Silicone Rubber?

EPDM rubber and silicone rubber are both used across various industries, but they serve different purposes based on their properties:

  1. EPDM material is mainly used in the automotive and home appliance sectors for manufacturing parts like seals, hoses, EPDM gaskets, and roofing membranes.
  2. EDPM material performs well in outdoor conditions and is built to resist harsh weather conditions, UV, and moisture.
  3. Silicone rubber, on the other hand, is preferred in the medical, food, and electronics industries because it has a high melting temperature and is safe for contact with food and skin.
  4. EPDM is more cost-effective and durable for outdoor use, while silicone is chosen when heat resistance and flexibility are critical.
  5. EPDM is also widely used in the automotive industry because it can handle outdoor conditions very well and is commonly used to make door seals and window seals, which keep out water, dust, and noise.
  6. Silicone rubber is used to make baking trays, spatulas, and containers as it does not react with food and is easy to clean. In the medical field, silicone is used for items like tubing, masks, and implants because it is gentle on the body and can be safely sterilized.

Silicon’s ability to stay strong and clean makes it a trusted material across a multitude of industries, whereas EPDM rubbers’ resistant properties and durability help improve the life and performance of various industrial parts. 

While both are durable, their applications vary depending on the environment and industry needs.

Top-quality Silicone Solutions Offered By Resil Silicones

Resil Silicones is a leading silicone manufacturing company established to achieve revolutionary advancements across a vast range of silicone products. They are accredited with several certifications such as LRQA, ISO, DSIR, and OMRI, and cater to a multitude of industries.

Resil Silicones believes in the principles of using advanced and sustainable infrastructure to create premium silicone products that undergo rigorous quality assurance checks. The company also applies advanced technology, like nanotechnology, to manufacture its silicone solutions.

Resil Silicones creates premium-grade silicone, which is needed to manufacture multipurpose materials to be used across various industries, due to their advanced properties like flexibility, durability, and weather resistance.

Conclusion

The materials EPDM and silicone rubber are both strong and flexible materials that can be used across many industries, serving different needs. EPDM material properties make it ideal for outdoor and automotive use due to its weather resistance and cost-effectiveness, while silicone rubber is chosen for medical, food, and high-temperature range applications due to its safety and ability to handle extreme conditions.

Resil Silicones play a key role in advancing the use of these materials by producing high-quality silicone through innovation and research. By combining modern technology with a focus on quality, Resil helps industries unlock the full potential of EPDM and silicone rubber in areas like personal care, agriculture, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, and more. Our focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability makes us a trusted partner across multiple sectors.

Get in touch with Resil Silicones for high-quality silicone solutions made using advanced technology and strong research efforts. Our products are designed to meet the needs of many different industries, offering reliable performance and the right features for each application.

To learn more about our silicone solutions, contact Resil Silicones at 18002020106 or email us at connect@resil.com. We have an experienced team of professionals who will help you choose the ideal silicone solution that best fits your industrial needs.

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