LYE Resistant O-Rings and Seals

Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a highly alkaline compound commonly used in cleaning products, as well as in the manufacture of paper, soap, textiles, and detergents. It is also commonly used as a drain cleaner and for certain food preparation tasks.

When rubber materials are exposed to lye, they can suffer from swelling, softening, cracking, and discoloration. The alkaline nature of lye can slowly break down the rubber, leading to decreased elasticity and an increased risk of cracking. Swelling of the rubber can also lead to reduced durability and performance. In extreme cases, the rubber can become permanently damaged.


EPDM (EP, EPR, Ethylene-Propylene Rubber)

EPDM o-rings, or ethylene propylene o-rings, are a family of synthetic elastomers with lower cost steam and chemical resistance, particularly for applications involving solvents, acids and other mild chemicals. Marco Rubber has the world’s largest inventory network of EPDM o-rings and made on demand custom manufacturing often without tooling fees, so the EPDM o-rings you need are always available. Whether it’s for water systems, braking systems, medical, pharmaceutical, food or dairy use, you can count on Marco Rubber to deliver your o-rings fast and efficiently.

Common Names: EPDM, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber


Here are just a few of the products we have available. Buy online or submit a quote for a fast response.
Recommended Material:
E1055 EPDM
Low Temp
-65 °F (-55 °C)
High Temp
300°F (150 °C)
Base Material
EPDM (EP, EPR, Ethylene-Propylene Rubber)
Hardness
70
Color
Black
Attributes
  • Peroxide cured
Datasheet
Recommended Material:
E1000 EPDM
Low Temp
-65 °F (-55 °C)
High Temp
300°F (150 °C)
Base Material
EPDM (EP, EPR, Ethylene-Propylene Rubber)
Hardness
70
Color
Black
Attributes
  • Compliant to FDA specification 21 CFR 177.2600 for use in food and beverage contact applications
  • Certified to NSF 61 specification for use in drinking water applications
  • Peroxide cured
Datasheet
Recommended Material:
E1074 EPDM
Low Temp
-65 °F (-55 °C)
High Temp
300°F (150 °C)
Base Material
EPDM (EP, EPR, Ethylene-Propylene Rubber)
Hardness
70
Color
Off-white
Attributes
  • Certified by 3-A Sanitary Standards
  • Raw materials used in production contain no Animal Derived Ingredients (ADI)
  • Compliant to FDA specification 21 CFR 177.2600 for use in food and beverage contact applications
  • Tested and certified to USP Class VI specification for use in medical applications
Datasheet

Rubber Material Compatibility with LYE

View some of our other material compatibility ratings with LYE. If you don't see what you're looking for or need more guidance, our team of experienced sealing design engineers can help select the best sealing products and material for your specific application.

View Full Chemical Compatibility Guide
Connect with an Expert
  • Trusted by 14,000+ customers/companies
  • Same day shipping is available for many of the sealing products in our inventory
  • 3,000+ custom sealing material formulations
  • Most quotes delivered in less than an hour
  • Expert application assistance available