This is by far the largest application segment, ranging from solid and sponge automotive body sealing to „under the hood“ applications like coolant hoses, airco hoses, brake parts, belts or engine mounts and some others like windshield wipers.

The majority of the extruded profiles are made by pressure-less continuous cure. For these products the emphasis is on requirements such as low compression set and good retention of heat-aged physical properties. Based on the need for higher end product reliability and extended service life, there is a growing demand for better surface finish.

The product should be free from porosity, fast curing, and should adhere well to textile flock and metal. High modulus is required for optimum sealing force, to prevent leakage through window surrounds and to minimize wind noise from window seals.

The growing demand for nitrosamine-free compounding prompted the need for faster curing EP(D)M types that should allow the formulation of cure systems which are free from bloom and iridescence.