Kenneth Saxtorph
June 3, 2025

Guide: Choose the right rubber material for your task

Should you choose EPDM, NR/SBR or NBR/SBR for your task?

When you are faced with choosing the right type of rubber for your application – whether it is conveyor belts, seals, gaskets or other – it is important to know the difference between the most common rubber types: EPDM, NR/SBR and NBR/SBR. In this guide, we give you an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and we equip you to choose the right rubber for your specific application.

What is EPDM rubber?

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber type known for its excellent resistance to acid, weather, ozone and UV radiation. This makes EPDM particularly suitable for outdoor applications such as sealing strips, conveyor belts and pipes, where the material must be able to withstand harsh environmental influences. EPDM is also flexible and has good insulating properties, which also makes it popular in the construction industry. However, EPDM is not suitable for applications where it comes into contact with oil or grease, as these substances can degrade the material.

What is NR/SBR rubber?

NR/SBR is a combination of natural rubber (NR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). This blend produces a material that is both durable and flexible, making it ideal for gaskets, shock absorbing elements and sealing solutions. NR/SBR is economically attractive and is often used in industries where mechanical durability is required. However, it is less resistant to acid, oil, grease and ozone, meaning that it should primarily be used in environments where these influences are minimal.

What is NBR/SBR rubber?

NBR/SBR is a rubber blend of nitrile rubber (NBR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which provides a material with both good abrasion resistance and high resistance to oil and grease. This makes NBR/SBR an obvious choice for gaskets, hoses and other components in industry where there is frequent contact with lubricants and chemicals. However, NBR/SBR is less suitable for outdoor use as it is sensitive to UV radiation and can become stiff at low temperatures.

Typical applications

Rubber	Typical applications
EPDM	Outdoor sealing strips, conveyor belts, pipes
NR/SBR	Gaskets, shock absorption, interior sealing strips
NBR/SBR	Oil and grease seals, hoses, industrial gaskets

Advantages and disadvantages

Rubber	Advantages	Disadvantages
EPDM	UV and ozone resistant, flexible, good for outdoor use	Not oil and grease resistant. Important: Not food grade.
NR/SBR	Good wear resistance, flexible	Sensitive to oil and ozone. Important: Not food grade.
NBR/SBR	Good oil and grease resistance, wear-resistant	Not UV-resistant, stiff at low temperatures. Important: Not food-safe.

Durability and lifespan

How do the different types of rubber perform under different conditions?

EPDM: Long life outdoors (UV, ozone) and indoors.
NR/SBR: Good mechanical durability, but is negatively affected by oil and ozone.
NBR/SBR: Good in oil/grease environments, but sensitive to UV.

Environmental impact and sustainability

How do the types of rubber affect the environment?

EPDM: Relatively environmentally friendly and can be recycled.
NR/SBR: Natural content, but not always easy to recycle.
NBR/SBR: More difficult to recycle, but long life in industrial use.

Price level and availability

EPDM: Mid to high price range, but withstands demanding environments.
NR/SBR: Economical and flexible, good for many purposes.
NBR/SBR: Mid-range price, but good investment for oil exposure.

Maintenance and cleaning

EPDM: Requires minimal maintenance, tolerates most cleaning agents.
NR/SBR: Keep clean and dry to avoid degradation.
NBR/SBR: Can be cleaned with oil/grease-soluble agents.

Examples from industry

Manufacturing company: Use of NBR/SBR gaskets in machines with oil exposure.
Construction: EPDM sealing strips for facades and roofs.
Waste and recycling companies: NR/SBR for durable and flexible solutions.
Agriculture: NBR/SBR in machinery and hoses for oil/grease.
Ports: Use EPDM to withstand a demanding outdoor environment.