RPP Corporation
Rubber Molding Excellence For Over 45 Years
Molded Diaphragms - Materials and Construction

The Elastomer

The elastomer layer must be extremely thin (for maximum flexibility), very tough (to withstand repeated flexing over a long lifetime), able to handle anticipated operating temperatures, and resistant to whatever chemicals, fluids or gases it may be contacting.

A number of standard elastomers are available, one of which usually meets the application requirements. RPP material specialists also work closely with our synthetic rubber compounders to develop custom materials to meet specific customer needs. RPP’s new proprietary EPDM elastomer comes in three colors, white, purple and standard black. Its high degree of inertness and robust physical properties makes it ideal for harsh water environments with high chloromine & chlorine levels. A new low cost Type A FKM is a popular choice for the toughest chemical applications.

The following elastomers are typical of those frequently used in molded diaphragm construction.
RPP utilizes over 40 standard and custom compounds based on these elastomers.

Elastomer Temperature Range Air
Permeability
Generally Resistant To.. Generally Attacked By...
Nitrile (NBR)
-40F to 250F
-40C to 121C
0.80
Petroleum-Based Oils
Esters and Chlorinated Solvents
Neoprene (CR)
-25F to 250F
-32C to 121C
1.40
Weather and Ozone
Esters and Chlorinated Solvents
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM)
-40F to 300F
-40C to 149C
10.00
Weather and Ozone
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Epichlorohydrin (CO/ECO)
-20F to 300F
-29C to 149C
0.40
Petroleum-Based Oils
Esters and Chlorinated Solvents
Silicone (SI)
-85F to 500F
-65C to 260C
175.00
Weather and Ozone
Gasoline and Chlorinated Solvents
Fluorosilicone
(FSI)
-85F to 450F
-65C to 232C
85.00
Petroleum-Based Oils and Ozone
Ketones and some Hydraulic Fluids
Fluorocarbon
(FKM)
10F to 550F
-12C to 288C
0.30
Gasoline and Chlorinated Solvents
Ketones and some Esters

The Elastomer
The Fabric
The Laminate
The Elastomer The Fabric


RPP Corporation
12 Ballard Way Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843 U.S.A.
Tel:   (978) 689-2800 / (800) 232-2239
Fax:   (978) 683-7356
Email:  
RPP Europe GmbH
Gottlieb-Fecht-Strasse 20 D – 77694 Kehl-Kork GERMANY
Tel:   (+49) 7851 99 43 50
Fax:   (+49) 7851 99 43 51
Email: