Rubber Material Engineering Guide
ECO: Properties, Applications & Selection Guide
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) is a specialty elastomer family valued for resistance to many mineral oils and fuels, low gas permeability, ozone resistance and useful heat performance. It is used in fuel and air-management hoses, diaphragms, gaskets, seals, vibration components, rubber rollers and other molded or extruded parts. ECO is not one fixed compound: polymer type, comonomer ratio, cure-site chemistry, formulation, fluid, temperature and mechanical duty must be reviewed together.
ECO Fundamentals
What Is ECO Rubber?
Epichlorohydrin rubber is based on epichlorohydrin-derived polyether chemistry. Commercial families include epichlorohydrin homopolymers and copolymers made with ethylene oxide; selected terpolymers include an additional cure-site monomer. The saturated ether backbone helps provide ozone resistance, low gas permeability and resistance to many oils and fuels.
Naming needs care. In common industry usage, CO identifies an epichlorohydrin homopolymer, ECO identifies an epichlorohydrin / ethylene oxide copolymer, and GECO identifies a terpolymer containing a cure-site comonomer. Supplier naming and classification should be confirmed rather than assuming every epichlorohydrin elastomer is interchangeable.
Two parts described only as “ECO 70 Shore A” can differ in fuel swell, gas permeability, cold flexibility, heat aging, compression set, electrical behavior, corrosion risk and regulatory status. The approved compound and finished-part validation—not the generic family name alone—must support the specification.
ECO is usually a strong candidate when
- Oil or fuel resistance must be combined with low gas or fuel-vapor permeability.
- The component is a fuel hose, diaphragm, gasket, seal, air duct, roller or vibration part.
- Ozone resistance, damping or inherently dissipative electrical behavior is relevant.
- A validated CO, ECO or GECO compound exists for the exact medium and temperature profile.
ECO needs another look when
- Cold flexibility, rebound or dynamic sealing exceeds the selected polymer and compound capability.
- The medium is hot water, steam, aggressive acid, strong alkali or an unidentified solvent blend.
- Fuel, oxygenate, bio-component or lubricant compatibility is assumed without exact-fluid aging data.
- Metal contact, corrosion control or regulatory restrictions have not been reviewed with the full formulation.
Performance Profile
What Are the Key Properties of ECO Rubber?
ECO is best understood as a low-permeability, oil- and fuel-resistant polyether elastomer family. Its saturated backbone supports ozone resistance, while polymer composition and formulation balance cold flexibility, heat aging, compression behavior, damping, electrical resistivity and processability.
Oil & Fuel Resistance
Selected ECO compounds resist many mineral oils, lubricants and hydrocarbon fuels. Exact fuel composition, additives, temperature and polymer type determine swelling and retained properties.
Low Gas Permeability
Epichlorohydrin elastomers are valued for low permeability to many gases and fuel vapors, supporting hose, diaphragm and barrier applications. Permeation remains compound-, gas- and temperature-specific.
Ozone & Weathering
The saturated polymer backbone generally supports strong ozone resistance. Long-term outdoor performance still depends on formulation, strain, light, heat and exposure duration.
Damping & Dynamic Behavior
Selected compounds are used in vibration-damping and flexible components. Heat build-up, fatigue, reinforcement and the actual frequency / amplitude profile require validation.
Compression Behavior
Compression set and stress relaxation depend on polymer type, cure package, cure state, temperature, time, medium and geometry; hardness alone cannot predict sealing-force retention.
Low Temperature & Conductivity
Ethylene-oxide-containing copolymers can improve cold flexibility, and selected grades provide inherent ion conductivity. Both properties are grade-specific and require functional acceptance criteria.
Polymer & Compound Design
How Do CO, ECO and GECO Polymer Types Change Performance?
Epichlorohydrin elastomers vary by monomer structure and available cure sites. CO homopolymer, ECO copolymer and GECO terpolymer directions can produce different balances of oil / fuel resistance, permeability, low-temperature flexibility, processing and vulcanization behavior.
Ethylene oxide generally changes cold flexibility and electrical behavior relative to the homopolymer, while an unsaturated cure-site comonomer expands vulcanization options in selected terpolymers. Molecular weight, viscosity, chlorine content, fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, acid acceptors and cure package further change the finished compound.
| ECO Variable | General Direction | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| CO homopolymer | Epichlorohydrin homopolymer direction | Often emphasizes oil / fuel resistance and low permeability; cold flexibility and cure behavior require grade data. |
| ECO copolymer | Epichlorohydrin combined with ethylene oxide | Can improve low-temperature flexibility and tune permeability, damping and electrical behavior. |
| GECO terpolymer | Copolymer chemistry plus an unsaturated cure-site comonomer | Provides additional crosslinking options; it is not automatically superior for every application. |
| Comonomer ratio | Changes polarity, flexibility, permeability and dynamic properties | Must be balanced against the exact fluid, gas, temperature and functional target. |
| Mooney viscosity / molecular structure | Changes mixing, extrusion, mold flow and green strength | Must suit the selected production route, reinforcement and part geometry. |
| Fillers / plasticizers | Adjust hardness, modulus, damping, cold behavior, swelling and processing | Explains why equal-hardness ECO compounds can perform differently. |
| Acid acceptors / stabilizers | Support cure, heat aging and corrosion control | Formulation and processing must control decomposition products and metal contact risk. |
| Cure package | Changes set, heat aging, adhesion, odor and production behavior | Must match polymer type, cure sites, temperature, fluid and compliance needs. |
Engineering note: CO, ECO and GECO identify polymer directions, not finished-part guarantees. The cured compound and application validation must meet the project specification.
Vulcanization
How Do ECO Cure Systems Affect Performance and Processing?
Epichlorohydrin elastomers use cure systems selected for the polymer structure and available cure sites. Amine- or nucleophile-based systems, cure-site-enabled sulfur systems and other supplier-recommended packages may be used depending on the grade. A cure package should never be chosen by generic ECO name alone.
| Selection Factor | Polymer-Backbone / Nucleophilic Cure | Cure-Site-Enabled System |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer compatibility | Uses reactive sites associated with the epichlorohydrin polymer and requires a matched grade / package. | Requires a grade containing a suitable cure-site comonomer and a compatible crosslink system. |
| Heat aging | Can be formulated for useful heat resistance when cure state, acid acceptor and stabilizer are controlled. | Performance depends on cure-site level, crosslink structure and the complete compound. |
| Compression set | Set is strongly influenced by cure package, stoichiometry, post-cure and aging condition. | Can be tuned, but no cure-site route guarantees lower set without measured data. |
| Mechanical balance | Fillers, plasticizer, cure density and processing determine tensile, elongation and fatigue. | Can support useful flexing and processing behavior in grades designed for this route. |
| Rubber-to-metal bonding | Requires an adhesive, substrate treatment and corrosion strategy compatible with the compound. | Requires the same joint validation; cure-site chemistry can change adhesive compatibility. |
| Production control | Mixing order, moisture, temperature, cure state, ventilation and post-cure need control. | Scorch safety, cure speed, blooming, odor and residual chemistry must be reviewed. |
Durometer Selection
What ECO Hardness Should You Choose?
ECO can be compounded in multiple hardness levels, but no single durometer or universal commercial range should be assumed. The correct hardness depends on geometry, pressure, extrusion gap, motion, assembly force, damping target, temperature and fluid exposure.
Hardness affects conformity, compression force, deformation and extrusion resistance. It does not by itself define fuel swell, permeability, low-temperature function, damping, compression set, corrosion behavior or service life. ECO must be selected as a complete formulation.
Lower Hardness
Can improve conformity and reduce closure force, but pressure, gland fill and extrusion gap must prevent excessive deformation or nibbling.
Medium Hardness
Often considered for general O-rings, gaskets and molded seals where flexibility, handling, compression and mechanical support must be balanced.
Higher Hardness
Can improve resistance to extrusion and deformation under pressure, but raises assembly force and may reduce conformity or cold flexibility.
Specify the hardness method, nominal value and tolerance on the approved compound specification. ISO 48-4 or ASTM D2240 are commonly used for Shore durometer testing of vulcanized rubber.
Thermal Limits
What Temperature Range Can ECO Rubber Handle?
There is no universal ECO service-temperature range. Published supplier information demonstrates useful heat resistance and low-temperature flexibility for selected products, but the usable window changes with CO / ECO / GECO type, compound, fluid, exposure time, compression, motion and acceptance criterion.
Define minimum storage, cold start, minimum functional temperature, continuous maximum, peak maximum and peak duration separately. A part that survives a temperature may still lose sealing force, flexibility, damping or adhesion under the real duty cycle.
Low Temperature
ECO copolymers can be selected for improved cold flexibility, but permeability, swell, modulus and dynamic behavior may change. Define the actual cold function.
Continuous Heat
Long exposure can change hardness, compression set, strength and corrosion tendency. Use compound-specific hot-air and hot-fluid aging data.
Peak Temperature
State peak value, duration and frequency. A short published peak must not be converted into a continuous-service rating.
Hot Fluid Exposure
Fuel oxygenates, bio-components, oil additives and water contamination can change swelling and aging. Validate the exact medium at temperature.
Media Compatibility
What Oils, Fuels, Gases and Chemicals Is ECO Compatible With?
ECO is widely considered for mineral oils, lubricants, petroleum fuels and fuel-vapor barrier service. Polymer type and formulation can change swell, permeation, hardening and retained strength. “ECO compatible” is not enough: identify the exact medium, additives, oxygenates, bio-content, temperature, pressure and time.
| Medium / Environment | General ECO Direction | Engineering Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral oils / lubricating oils | Generally strong | Core ECO application; verify oil type, viscosity, additive package and temperature. |
| Petroleum greases / hydraulic fluids | Often suitable | Common industrial and automotive service when the selected compound is validated. |
| Ozone / outdoor atmosphere | Generally strong | Saturated backbone supports ozone resistance; strain, heat, light and compound protection still matter. |
| Gasoline / diesel / hydrocarbon fuels | Often considered | Fuel composition, aromatics, oxygenates, bio-components and temperature require exact-fluid review. |
| Fuel vapor / gases | Low permeability direction | Permeation depends on polymer type, compound, gas species, pressure, thickness and temperature. |
| Water-glycol / coolants | Compound-specific | Water content, additives and hot aging can be limiting; validate the complete coolant. |
| Hot water / steam | Requires review | Do not assume general hydrolysis or steam resistance from the ECO name. |
| Ketones / esters / polar solvents | Exact solvent required | Polarity alone is not enough to predict behavior; measure swell and retained properties. |
| Strong acids / strong alkalis | Usually not first choice | Concentration and heat can attack the compound or cure network; review alternatives. |
| Glycol brake fluids | Usually not first choice | EPDM is commonly evaluated for glycol-based brake fluids; confirm the exact specification. |
| Metal contact / condensate | Formulation-specific | Formulation, cure and aging conditions must control corrosive by-products and metal compatibility. |
Material Selection
ECO vs. NBR, HNBR and FKM: Which Should You Use?
ECO is often considered when fuel / oil resistance must be combined with lower permeability and ozone resistance. NBR is a common economical oil-resistant baseline, HNBR adds stronger heat and mechanical capability, and FKM is often selected for higher temperature or broader fuel / chemical resistance. The real fluid and function decide.
| Selection Factor | ECO | NBR | HNBR | FKM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral oil / grease | Strong direction | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Fuel-vapor / gas permeability | Key strength | Compound-specific | Compound-specific | Often strong; type-specific |
| Heat and oxidation | Useful; compound-specific | Moderate | Improved over NBR | Generally stronger |
| Ozone / weather | Strong | Limited | Strong | Strong |
| Low-temperature flexibility | Polymer- and grade-specific | ACN- and compound-specific | Grade-specific | Type-specific |
| Mechanical / abrasion | Compound-specific | Useful | Often strong | Compound-specific |
| Relative material cost | Usually above NBR | Often economical | Usually above NBR | Usually higher |
This comparison is directional. Final material selection requires the exact compound, fluid, temperature, pressure, motion, expected life and applicable specification.
Industrial Applications
Where Is ECO Rubber Used?
ECO is used where oil / fuel resistance, low permeability, ozone resistance, damping or controlled electrical behavior are important together. Common forms include hoses, seals, gaskets, diaphragms, rollers, air ducts, vibration parts, bonded components and custom molded parts.
Automotive Fuel Hoses
Fuel-hose tubes, covers and molded connectors use selected ECO compounds where fuel resistance, vapor control, ozone exposure and flexing must be balanced.
Air Ducts & Blow-By Systems
Under-hood ducts and hoses may use ECO for hot air, oil mist, fuel vapor, movement and environmental aging after compound-specific validation.
Seals, Gaskets & Diaphragms
Static and flexible parts for defined oils, fuels or gases can benefit from low permeability and ozone resistance when compression and temperature also match.
Vibration-Damping Components
Mounts, isolators and molded damping parts use selected compounds where oil exposure, atmospheric aging and dynamic behavior occur together.
Printer & Industrial Rollers
Inherently ion-conductive grades are used in selected rollers and electrostatic-control components. Resistance target, surface finish and electrical range must be specified.
Low-Permeability Components
Hose, membrane and barrier parts can use ECO when the exact gas or vapor, pressure, wall thickness and permeation acceptance criterion are defined.
Compression Set & Failure Analysis
Why Do ECO Parts Fail, Swell, Harden or Corrode Metal?
ECO failures are rarely explained by hardness alone. Polymer type, fuel or oil chemistry, water contamination, heat, permeation, pressure, friction, compression, cure state, installation damage and geometry can interact. A useful investigation connects damage to the actual duty cycle and compound batch.
Epichlorohydrin chemistry provides useful oil, fuel and ozone performance, but it does not make every compound immune to excessive heat, incompatible oxygenates, hot water, plasticizer loss, corrosion by-products, extrusion or abrasion. Review service history, mating materials and relevant tests.
| Observed Condition | Possible Causes | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent flattening / leakage | Compression set, excessive heat, under-cure, over-compression or long dwell | Compound data, cure state, squeeze, gland fill, temperature history and recovery condition. |
| Volume swell / softening | Incompatible oil, fuel, oxygenate, solvent or additive package | Exact fluid, polymer / compound type, temperature, time and ISO 1817 / ASTM D471 results. |
| Hardening / cracking | Thermal oxidation, excessive continuous heat, chemical extraction or over-aging | Air and fluid temperature history, retained hardness, tensile and elongation. |
| Metal staining / corrosion | Formulation, decomposition products, moisture, heat or unsuitable metal / adhesive interface | Compound ingredients, cure and post-cure, condensate, substrate, coating and accelerated assembly test. |
| Extruded or nibbled edge | Excessive clearance, pressure, soft compound, thermal expansion or missing back-up support | Gap, pressure cycle, hardness, gland fill, swelling and back-up-ring design. |
| Polished or worn surface | Friction, inadequate lubrication, rough counterface, contamination or misalignment | Motion, speed, surface finish, lubrication, temperature rise and wear debris. |
| Low-temperature or assembly leakage | Selected polymer below flexibility limit, insufficient squeeze, sharp edges, twist or damage | Minimum functional temperature, ECO type, groove, lead-in chamfer, installation method and condition. |
Manufacturing
How Are Custom ECO Rubber Parts Manufactured?
Custom ECO parts can be compression molded, transfer molded, injection molded, extruded, calendered, fabric reinforced or bonded to metal. The manufacturing route depends on geometry, compound viscosity, cure system, reinforcement, tolerance, surface requirements, quantity and validation plan.
- Application reviewConfirm fluid or gas, permeation target, temperature, pressure, motion, environment, compliance and expected life.
- Compound definitionSelect CO, ECO or GECO direction, hardness, cure package and required aging, electrical or corrosion behavior.
- Tooling / process reviewChoose molding, extrusion, calendering, reinforcement or bonding based on design, compound and volume.
- Sample validationCheck dimensions, appearance, fit and the agreed material, fluid, pressure or functional tests.
- Production controlControl compound batch, cure, cavities, post-cure, dimensions, appearance and traceability.
Molded ECO
Suitable for gaskets, diaphragms, seals, mounts, bushings and complex molded parts when cure, ventilation and geometry suit the selected compound.
Extruded ECO
Used for hose layers, tubing and profiles. Die swell, surface, reinforcement, cure route, cut length and joining requirements should be specified.
Calendered / Reinforced ECO
Fabric or other reinforcement can support hoses, diaphragms and flexible components where controlled deformation, adhesion and fatigue matter.
Rubber-to-Metal ECO
Bonded parts require compatible substrate preparation, adhesive, ECO formulation, corrosion strategy and cure process.
Rollers & Precision Surfaces
Roller compounds require controlled electrical resistance, surface finish, runout, hardness and wear behavior in addition to material identity.
Secondary Operations
Post-curing, trimming, grinding, cutting, marking, cleaning, inspection and packaging should be defined when they affect performance.
Dimensions & Design
What Tolerances Can Be Achieved on ECO Parts?
There is no universal tolerance for ECO rubber. Achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry, mold-dependent versus mold-independent dimensions, compound shrinkage, tool construction, inserts, flash location, process and measurement method.
ISO 3302-1:2014 is a common dimensional-tolerance reference for molded, extruded and calendared solid rubber products. Precision O-rings and similar toroidal sealing rings are normally specified under product-specific standards such as ISO 3601. The correct tolerance system must be agreed before tooling.
Define Critical Characteristics
Identify sealing diameters, wall thickness, compression height, groove interfaces, insert positions and dimensions that control function.
Avoid Unnecessary Tight Tolerances
Tighter tolerances increase tooling, measurement and process-control demands. Apply precision only where it protects fit, sealing or assembly.
Agree Flash & Surface Criteria
Parting line, flash, gate, trimming, grinding, post-cure appearance and cosmetic limits should be defined separately from dimensions.
Confirm Measurement Method
Soft elastomers deform under measurement force. Define conditioning, datums, fixtures and measurement method for compression-sensitive dimensions.
Validation & Quality
Which Tests Should Be Specified for ECO Rubber?
A useful ECO test plan starts with the dominant failure risk. Hardness and tensile data alone are not enough if the part must control fuel-vapor permeation, retain force in hot oil, flex at low temperature, provide a defined electrical resistance or avoid corrosion at a metal interface.
| Property / Risk | Common Test Reference | What to Define |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ISO 48-4 / ASTM D2240 | Scale, nominal value, tolerance, conditioning and test-piece requirement. |
| Tensile strength / elongation | ISO 37 / ASTM D412 | Minimum values, specimen type and whether results are original or aged. |
| Compression set | ISO 815-1 / ASTM D395 | Compression, time, temperature, recovery method and maximum result. |
| Heat aging | ISO 188 / ASTM D573 | Temperature, duration and permitted hardness, tensile or elongation change. |
| Liquid / oil / fuel resistance | ISO 1817:2024 / ASTM D471 | Exact fluid, temperature, duration and permitted mass, volume or property change. |
| Ozone resistance | ISO 1431-1:2024 / ASTM D1149 | Ozone concentration, strain, temperature, duration and cracking criteria. |
| Low-temperature behavior | ISO 2921 / ASTM D1329 or agreed method | Retraction or flexibility criterion, conditioning and actual functional temperature. |
| Gas permeability | ISO 2782-2 or agreed product method | Gas or vapor, pressure, temperature, thickness, conditioning and maximum transmission rate. |
| Dimensions / application function | Approved drawing and customer-specific validation | Critical dimensions, leakage, pressure, friction, cycle, fatigue, life and inspection plan. |
Test standards and editions should be agreed in the purchase specification. Availability of any specific test, report, approval or third-party laboratory service is to be confirmed for the project.
Regulatory & Documentation
Does ECO Automatically Meet Automotive, RoHS or Other Requirements?
No. ECO is a polymer-family name, not a compliance statement. Specific compounds may be developed or documented for automotive, electrical, environmental, food-contact or other requirements, but generic ECO does not automatically satisfy any regulation, customer specification or restricted-substance limit.
If the project requires RoHS, REACH, ELV, GADSL / IMDS reporting, a fuel-hose or automotive specification, PPAP documentation, an electrical-resistance range, food-contact compliance or another customer standard, state the exact requirement at RFQ stage. Availability and documentation must be confirmed before approval.
Purchasing Guide
What Information Should You Send for an ECO RFQ?
A quote can look complete but still carry material risk if it contains only “ECO, black, 70 Shore A.” Polymer type, exact fuel or oil, permeation target, temperature, pressure, metal contact and required validation are as important as hardness and geometry.
| RFQ Item | Information to Provide | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry | 2D drawing, 3D model or physical sample; identify revision | Defines tooling, parting, shrinkage, dimensional risk and inspection. |
| Function | Hose, gasket, diaphragm, seal, roller, air duct, bonded part, mount or other component | Changes permeability, mechanical, electrical and validation requirements. |
| Medium | Exact oil, fuel, gas, coolant or chemical name, grade, additives and bio-content | Determines swelling, aging, permeation risk and whether ECO is appropriate. |
| Temperature | Minimum functional, continuous maximum, peak maximum and peak duration | Controls cold flexibility, aging, hardening and compression-set risk. |
| Pressure / vacuum | Normal and maximum pressure, pressure direction and cycle | Affects hardness, extrusion, reinforcement, seal geometry and validation. |
| Permeation / electrical | Gas or vapor transmission limit and/or required electrical-resistance range | Converts low-permeability or conductive claims into measurable targets. |
| Motion | Static, reciprocating, rotating, flexing or repeated compression | Changes wear, friction, fatigue and heat generation. |
| Material target | Approved CO, ECO or GECO polymer / compound if fixed; hardness, color and cure requirement | Separates mandatory requirements from supplier recommendations. |
| Aging limits | Permitted volume, mass, hardness, tensile or elongation change | Turns “heat and oil resistant” into measurable acceptance requirements. |
| Tolerances | Critical dimensions, tolerance standard and inspection method | Controls tooling, process capability and measurement cost. |
| Compliance | Exact regulation, customer standard, approval or report required | Prevents generic ECO from being mistaken for a qualified compound. |
| Testing | Media aging, permeation, pressure, leak, fatigue, electrical, corrosion, PPAP or customer validation | Allows validation scope, cost and timing to be reviewed before production. |
| Quantity / packaging | Prototype, order and annual quantity; label, lot and cleanliness requirements | Influences tooling, cavities, manufacturing route, traceability and delivery format. |
ECO FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About ECO Rubber
These answers are material-family guidance. Final performance should always be confirmed against the exact ECO compound and service conditions.
What does ECO stand for?
ECO commonly designates a copolymer of epichlorohydrin and ethylene oxide. Epichlorohydrin elastomers also include CO homopolymer and GECO cure-site terpolymer directions. Supplier grade and classification should be confirmed.
What is the difference between CO, ECO and GECO?
CO is the epichlorohydrin homopolymer direction, ECO combines epichlorohydrin with ethylene oxide, and GECO adds a cure-site comonomer. These structures change cold flexibility, cure options, permeability and compound design.
Is ECO resistant to oil and grease?
Resistance to many mineral oils and lubricants is a core ECO direction. Actual suitability depends on polymer type, complete compound, oil additives, temperature and exposure time.
What temperature can ECO withstand?
There is no universal ECO service range. The usable minimum and maximum depend on CO / ECO / GECO type, formulation, fluid, time, compression, motion and required function. Confirm compound-specific data and validate the finished part.
Is ECO suitable for outdoor and ozone exposure?
The saturated polyether backbone generally provides strong ozone resistance. Outdoor durability still depends on the compound, strain, heat, light, moisture and exposure duration.
Does ECO have low gas permeability?
Low permeability to many gases and fuel vapors is an important ECO strength. The actual transmission rate depends on polymer type, formulation, gas or vapor, pressure, temperature and section thickness, so it should be measured for critical barrier parts.
Can ECO be used with gasoline, diesel or biofuels?
Selected ECO compounds are used with hydrocarbon fuels, but aromatics, oxygenates, bio-components, additives and temperature influence swell, permeation and retained properties. Test the exact fuel blend.
Is ECO suitable for steam or hot water?
Steam and hot-water performance varies considerably by ECO formulation and temperature. Do not assume general suitability; compare compound-specific aging data and consider EPDM, FEPM or another family when the medium demands it.
What Shore hardness is ECO?
ECO is not one fixed hardness. Multiple durometers can be compounded; the correct value depends on geometry, pressure, compression, damping or electrical target, assembly, fluid and temperature.
How is ECO rubber cured?
Cure chemistry depends on the polymer structure and cure sites. Supplier-recommended nucleophilic, amine-related or cure-site-enabled systems may be used. Specify performance targets and approved grade rather than assuming one universal cure route.
ECO or FKM: which should I choose?
ECO is attractive for oil / fuel resistance, low permeability and ozone resistance. FKM is commonly evaluated for higher temperature or broader fuel and chemical resistance. Compare exact fluid, permeation, low-temperature duty and cost.
ECO or EPDM: which is better?
ECO is usually the stronger starting point for petroleum oils, lubricants and demanding mechanical duties. EPDM is usually stronger for water, steam, glycol and outdoor exposure where petroleum oil is absent. The main medium normally decides the direction.
Can ECO be electrically conductive?
Selected epichlorohydrin grades have inherent ion-conductive behavior and are used in rollers and electrostatic-control applications. The required resistance range, humidity, voltage, geometry and aging condition must be specified and tested.
Can ECO cause metal corrosion?
Metal compatibility can depend on formulation, cure chemistry, heat, moisture, post-cure and substrate protection. For bonded or enclosed assemblies, define corrosion criteria and validate the complete ECO-to-metal system.
What information is needed to quote a custom ECO part?
Send the drawing, 3D model or sample together with the exact fluid or gas, permeation or electrical target, temperatures, pressure, motion, metal contact, hardness, tolerance, compliance, testing and quantity requirements.
Custom ECO Components
Have an ECO hose, seal, diaphragm, roller or molded part to develop?
Send the available drawing or sample information with the exact fuel, oil or gas, temperature, pressure, permeation or electrical target, hardness and quantity. We can review the ECO material direction, manufacturing feasibility and information needed before quotation.
