Bonding Adhesives for EPDM

A key factor in selecting an adhesive for your application is finding one that is compatible with your substrates. The adhesive that is best for one particular material may not be great for another. Our adhesive experts take a closer look at gluing EPDM rubber including some of the best glues to join EPDM for lasting results.

EPDM Rubber

Ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber engineered to be able to withstand more extreme conditions and have a longer lifespan than nature rubber. It is known for its great temperature resistance, weather resistance, UV stability, and flexibility. It can withstand cycling temperatures and will not bloom when exposed to the elements. When properly maintained, EPDM can last for many years.

Because of its versatility and durability, EPDM can have multiple applications in various industries, including both indoor and outdoor use. It is commonly used in roofing systems, automotive parts, seals, gaskets, and electrical insulation.

Product Recommendations

Choosing the right glue for EPDM is crucial. Here are a few bonding adhesives for EPDM that our team recommends looking into.

Infinity Bond SI Super Glue
This surface insensitive adhesive is a high-performance cyanoacrylate that provides faster curing compared to standard CA glues. The series includes various viscosities from 5 cps to a gel consistency for different application needs. It also works in a wide temperature range from –65°F to 180°F.
Infinity Bond Rubber Toughened Cyanoacrylate
For greater impact resistance, shear strength, and durability, try this rubber toughened series. These cyanoacrylates boast more flexible bonding capabilities as well as increased temperature resistance. You can also choose numerous viscosities from 110 cps to 4500 cps.
Loctite 380 Black CA
This product is another option for a CA with a rubber toughened formula. As a result, it has great peel, impact, and shear strength for some more demanding environments. It comes in a low viscosity and is temperature resistant up to 225°F.
3M PR1500 Rubber Glue
Another good adhesive for EPDM, this product from 3M has a medium viscosity and is fast curing. It reaches handling time under 45 seconds and is fully cured around 24 hours. It can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.

Remember that different adhesives offer different benefits, and the right one for your needs will vary based on the application as there are many variables at play. You should always test the adhesive first, and if you are not sure if an adhesive is right for you, we have adhesive experts here to help.

Challenges of Bonding EPDM Rubber with Adhesives

Compared to some other types of materials, bonding EPDM rubber can be challenging. In the past, some professionals struggled to find adhesives that would be able to create strong, lasting bonds with different types of rubber. It can be especially difficult to bond EPDM rubber to metal and get a high-strength bond.

The biggest issue with finding adhesives for EPDM is its low surface energy. A low surface energy makes the material have a low attraction to other molecules like those in many adhesives. As a result, the adhesive has a hard time wetting out and adhering to the surface. Surface preparation may be helpful in increasing surface energy for better bonding.

It is imperative that you use the right product as many adhesives will not be able to form a strong bond with this material. If they are designed to bond to EPDM and you follow the right surface preparation, you can get a lasting bond.

How to Bond EPDM Successfully

Bonding EPDM rubber can be more challenging due to its low surface energy, but when you use the right EPDM rubber bonding adhesive and apply it according to the manufacturer's recommendations, you can get the results you want.

Typically, you will need to use a solvent wipe with isopropanol to remove any contamination like dust or debris. Do not use acetone as it may damage the rubber. Let the isopropanol evaporate completely so the surface is completely dry. Some evidence suggests that plasma pretreatment can increase the surface energy of EPDM for better bonding, but you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

After applying the ethylene propylene diene monomer adhesive, make sure to store the remaining adhesive as instructed by the manufacturer. Improper storage can decrease the shelf life of an adhesive and lead to wasted product.

Find the EPDM Glue for You

While finding an adhesive for EPDM can be challenging, there are products out there. At Gluegun.com, we carry a diverse collection of industrial rubber adhesives for purchase. We also have the expertise and knowledge to provide you with a personalized product recommendation. Contact us today.