EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) vs FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) vs FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber)
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber — THE outdoor/weather elastomer. Saturated backbone gives outstanding ozone, UV, and weathering resistance. Excellent resistance to steam, hot water, and polar solvents. NOT resistant to oils/fuels (opposite of NBR). Good electrical insulation. ρ 0.85-1.3 (lightest common rubber). Used for automotive door/window seals, roofing membranes, radiator hoses, HVAC gaskets, and pond liners.
FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate)
Flame retardant woven fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin binder — the worldwide standard substrate material for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Designated NEMA grade FR-4 and IPC-4101. Good mechanical strength, dimensional stability and electrical insulation up to 130°C (Tg). Dielectric constant 4.2–4.7 at 1 MHz. Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0). Used for single/multilayer PCBs, electrical insulation boards, structural composites in electronics, test fixtures and jigs. Available in thicknesses 0.1–50 mm.
| EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | IPC-4101 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) | FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 7–21 | — | MPa |
| elongation | 100–700 | — | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 30–90 | — | Shore A |
Compatibility Assessment
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) and FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) the same as FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate)?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) and FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) with FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) and FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) is a Polymers grade, while FR-4 (Glass Epoxy Laminate) is a Polymers grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.