UV Resistance vs Ozone Resistance – What’s the Difference?

UV resistance and ozone resistance are often mentioned together,but they are different aging mechanisms.UV damage is caused by sunlight and affects the surface layer of the rubber.Ozone damage is caused by atmospheric ozone gas and typically affects rubber that is under stress(e.g.,stretched or bent).Both can cause cracking and premature failure,but they act in different ways.

Which Rubber Is Recommended?
EPDM:Excellent performance in both UV and ozone resistance.A preferred choice for outdoor and high-exposure applications.
NR and SBR:Limited UV and ozone resistance—they tend to crack when used outdoors without protection.
Neoprene(CR):Moderate resistance—performs better than NR and SBR in outdoor conditions,but does not match the durability of EPDM.
Silicone:Strong resistance to both UV and ozone.Well suited for high-temperature outdoor environments.

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How to Choose
For outdoor applications where sunlight and ozone are both present,EPDM is a reliable and cost-effective option.If your application also involves high temperatures,silicone may be a better fit.For indoor or controlled environments where UV and ozone exposure is minimal,NR or SBR may be sufficient and more economical.

Additional Protection
If you must use a material with lower UV or ozone resistance(such as NR or SBR)for outdoor applications,consider adding protective coatings or choosing a grade with added antioxidants and antiozonants.These additives can slow down degradation and extend service life.

UV resistance and ozone resistance are not the same,but they are closely related.Choosing the right material depends on your specific environmental conditions and performance requirements.For outdoor applications with significant sunlight and ozone exposure,EPDM and silicone are among the better options available.

 

Jingdong Rubber Co., Ltd. is a professional rubber sheet manufacturer, producing silicone rubber sheet, natural rubber sheet, fluorine rubber sheet, neoprene rubber sheet, insulating rubber sheet,EPDM rubber sheets, oil-resistant rubber sheets, anti-static rubber sheets, flame-retardant rubber sheets, conductive rubber sheets, anti-slip rubber sheets, and cowshed mats, etc. with over 40 years of industry experience, are popular both at home and abroad. If you need any of our products,please send emails to sales@jingdongrubber.com.