Types of Rubber Gasket Materials for Plate Heat Exchangers (Part 1) — NBR vs. EPDM: What’s the Difference? > Technical Resources

Types of Rubber Gasket Materials for Plate Heat Exchangers (Part 1) — NBR vs. EPDM: What’s the Difference?

 VISER, a specialized manufacturer of gaskets, has compiled a summary—complete with a comparison chart—detailing the structural differences, resistance properties (oil, hot water, and chemicals), and application-based selection criteria for NBR and EPDM, the two primary materials used in plate heat exchanger gaskets.

Write : Heesoo Lim, Vice President  ·  Date : 2026.08.04  ·  Category : Tech Insight

At first glance, they look like identical black rubber rings. However, one performs optimally in oil, while the other withstands prolonged exposure to hot water. This is the story of NBR and EPDM—the two most widely used materials in the plate heat exchanger gasket market. As discussed in the previous two articles, selecting the wrong gasket material can lead to leaks, fluid cross-contamination, and unplanned shutdowns. So, when should you choose NBR versus EPDM—the two options most frequently encountered in the field? VISER Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of both plate heat exchangers and gaskets, compares these two materials.

What is NBR?

NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber produced by copolymerizing acrylonitrile and butadiene; its primary advantage is excellent oil resistance against substances such as mineral oils, lubricants, and fuels. Consequently, it is the standard material for gaskets in plate heat exchangers handling oil flows, such as those used in oil coolers and systems for cooling hydraulic fluids or lubricants. Generally, while higher acrylonitrile content improves oil resistance, it tends to reduce low-temperature flexibility; therefore, formulating the material to suit the specific application is crucial.

What is EPDM?

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber) is a synthetic rubber produced by polymerizing ethylene and propylene with a small amount of diene. Thanks to a saturated structure with virtually no double bonds in its main chain, it offers excellent resistance to ozone, UV radiation, and weathering, as well as superior resistance to hot water and steam. These properties have made it a leading material for gaskets in plate heat exchangers used in applications involving water, such as district heating, building HVAC systems, and hot water supply. Conversely, it is vulnerable to oil-based substances—such as mineral oils and lubricants—making it unsuitable for applications involving contact with oil.

NBR vs EPDM Side-by-side comparison

※ This is a comparison of the general characteristics of the material groups; actual physical properties vary depending on the formulation.

Comparison of Chemical Resistance — What It Resists and What It Is Vulnerable To

The following is an excerpt covering NBR and EPDM from the chemical resistance reference table for rubber materials. Ratings are categorized into four levels: A (Recommended), B (Minor Effect), C (Caution Required), and D (Unsuitable). Overall, the characteristics of these two materials are clearly illustrated by the fact that EPDM offers a broader range of applicability for acids and oxidizing agents, whereas NBR holds the advantage regarding oils (a category not shown in the table).

※ Source : Visor Co., Ltd. Rubber Technical Data (Reference Table for Chemical Resistance of Raw Rubber). Results may vary depending on concentration, temperature, and combined contact conditions; therefore, we recommend a technical review by our company prior to actual application.

So, when and what should you use? — A selection guide

The criteria for selection are clear: NBR is the starting point if the fluid in contact contains oil, while EPDM is the choice for water-based fluids such as hot water, cold water, or steam. EPDM is the standard option for applications where water is the medium—such as district heating heat exchangers and data center cooling water systems—whereas NBR is the default choice for applications involving lubricating oil, like turbine oil coolers. However, since additional factors such as temperature conditions, cleaning agents, and outdoor installation can alter the conclusion, the entire set of operating conditions must be evaluated.

Visor possesses compounding and molding technologies for a wide range of rubber materials—including NBR, EPDM, HNBR, IIR, CR, FKM, and VMQ—and both materials have been certified as compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 standards for safe use in food-contact environments. Visor’s key differentiator is that it provides both heat exchanger design and gasket material technology within a single company.