EPDM Rubber (2021 Program)

EPDM is produced by the polymerization of ethylene, propylene, and typically another monomer containing side-chain unsaturation such as ethylidene-5-norbornene-2 (ENB). It is produced by Ziegler-Natta or metallocene (includes single site or similar catalyst types) catalyzed solution processes, or a Zeigler-Natta catalyzed slurry process. EPDM has a fully saturated molecular backbone that provides excellent ozone resistance, weatherability and heat resistance properties, very good dielectric performance, and low temperature flexibility. This report includes an analysis of EPDMs markets, end-uses, and production technologies. Production economics were prepared for world-scale Ziegler-Natta solution, Metallocene solution, and Ziegler-Natta slurry processes. The economics were prepared for plants located in the U. S. Gulf Coast, Western Europe, and China Coast.