Ethylene / acrylic elastomer is a copolymer of ethylene and methyl arcylate containing a small amount of curesite monomer with carboxylic acid groups. AEM is a tough, low compression set rubber. It has superb resistance to high temperatures, hot mineral oils, fluids and weathering. At low temperature its mechanical properties and flexibility are better than ACM, but it has a lower resistance to polar solvents and low aniline oils. AEM is often used in applications requiring improved performance compared to Neprene and Nitrile rubber, or to reduce costs compared to higher-end elastomers like FKM and HNBR.
Cure system – Amine-cured
Standard AEM compounds are cured in amine based vulcanization systems.
Other Common Variations
- AEM has great flexibility and good tear resistance, abrasion and compression set. It is often used in shaft lip seals in automatic transmission fluids.
- Special Vamac® compounds can improve oil resistance while foregoing some low temperature properties.
VAMAC® is a registered trademark of DuPont Performance Polymers.
General Information
ASTM D 1418 Designation: AEM
ISO/DIN 1629 Designation: AEM
ASTM D2000 / SAE J 200 Codes: EE
Standard Color(s): Black
Hardness Range: 40 to 90 Shore A
Relative Cost: Medium-High
Service Temperatures
Standard Low Temperature: -30°C / -22°F
Standard High Temperature: 150°C / 302°F
Special Compound Low Temperature: -40C / -40°F
Special Compound High Temperature: 175°C / 347°F
| Performs well in | Does not perform well in | |
| Ozone, weather and hot air | Ketones | |
| Automatic transmission fluids (ATF) and power steering fluids | Fuels | |
| Water | Brake fluids |