What is the difference between AEM and ACM rubber?
AEM (Ethylene Acrylate) and ACM (Acrylic Rubber) are both types of synthetic rubber, but they have distinct properties and applications. Here are the key differences between AEM and ACM rubber:
Property
AEM (Ethylene Acrylate Rubber)
ACM (Acrylic Rubber)
Chemical Composition
Ethylene, acrylic monomers, cure-site monomers
Acrylate monomers
Temperature Range
-40°C to +150°C
-20°C to +150°C
TR10 Temperature
-30°C to -40°C
-20°C
Oil Resistance
Good resistance to oil
Excellent resistance to hot oils
Ozone Resistance
Good
Good
Oxidation Resistance
Moderate
Excellent
Weathering Resistance
Moderate
Excellent
Flexibility
Good flexibility and resilience
More rigid at lower temperatures
Tensile Strength
10-15 MPa
12-18 MPa
Abrasion Resistance
Good
Higher abrasion resistance
Typical Applications
Automotive transmission, gearbox
Automotive transmission, gearbox
Cost
Generally more expensive
Typically less expensive
Suitability for Dynamic Sealing
Suitable for high and low temperatures
Suitable for high oil and chemical exposure
AEM can sometimes be replaced by ACM in automotive O-ring applications, but this decision should be based on a thorough analysis of the specific application requirements. If low-temperature flexibility is critical, AEM remains the better choice. However, for applications primarily concerned with oil resistance and higher temperature stability, ACM could be a cost-effective alternative.
Top 5 ACM (Acrylic Rubber) Manufacturers
Manufacturer
Headquarters
Overview
NOK Corporation
Japan
NOK is a leading manufacturer of sealing products, including ACM rubber, widely used in automotive and industrial applications.
Zeon Corporation
Japan
Zeon produces a variety of specialty polymers, including ACM, known for their excellent oil and heat resistance.
Unimatec
Japan
A subsidiary of Tokai Rubber Industries, Unimatec specializes in high-performance elastomers, including ACM.
Kumho Petrochemical
South Korea
Kumho Petrochemical offers a range of synthetic rubbers, including ACM, used extensively in automotive and industrial applications.
Lion Elastomers
USA
Lion Elastomers is a key supplier of various synthetic rubbers, including ACM, used in diverse industries.
Top 5 AEM (Ethylene Acrylate Rubber) Manufacturers
Manufacturer
Headquarters
Overview
DuPont
USA
DuPont is known for its high-performance elastomers, including Vamac® AEM, which is widely used in automotive applications.
Zeon Corporation
Japan
Zeon produces Zeoforte® AEM, known for its excellent balance of heat and oil resistance, used in automotive seals and hoses.
Lanxess
Germany
Lanxess offers a range of specialty rubbers, including AEM, under the brand Keltan® and Levapren®.
3M (Dyneon)
USA
3M’s Dyneon division produces high-performance elastomers, including AEM, for demanding automotive and industrial applications.
Shin-Etsu Chemical
Japan
Shin-Etsu manufactures various specialty chemicals and elastomers, including AEM, known for their superior quality and performance.
