Dow introduces three new EPDM grades

Midland, Michigan – Dow Chemical Co. has introduced three new Nordel EPDMs – two ‘extra filler loading’ grades and an ‘extra fast mixing’ grade –  the company announced 9 Oct.

The materials, it claimed, are “high-quality, low-gel polymers that offer exceptional durability, increased filler loading, improved weatherability and better mixing performance.”

Target applications include sealing systems, hoses and belts and other products requiring improved light-weighting, safety and aesthetics, said Dirk Zinkweg, North America product director of Nordel EPDM.

Dow claims its EPDM portfolio offers the widest range of ethylene content in the industry. There are also extensive options around molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, Mooney viscosity and oil-extension capability.

The rubber polymers are produced using Dow's patented advanced molecular catalyst (AMC) technology. This is said to enable high productivity and efficiency, better mixing and processing, faster curing, increased filler acceptance and enhanced surface quality.

AMC technology, added Dow, also enables EPDM to be produced with  20-25% lower energy consumption, 69% less ozone-depletion and 39% less CO2 emissions than with Ziegler-Natta catalysts.