🧩 PP+EPDM+GF20 – Polypropylene with EPDM Rubber and 20% Glass Fiber
(Reinforced semi-elastic technical plastic, used in automotive structural parts with high impact and vibration resistance)
🔹 What is PP+EPDM+GF20
PP+EPDM+GF20 is a blend of polypropylene (PP), EPDM rubber (for flexibility), and 20% glass fiber (for rigidity and mechanical strength).
It is an advanced technical material that provides hardness, stability, and controlled elasticity. It is used in parts that must be tough yet tolerant of vibrations and deformations. It is frequently found in structural automotive parts, brackets, technical casings, and occasionally in high-end OEM bumpers.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – base matrix
- EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) – elastic rubber (10–15%)
- GF (Glass Fiber 20%) – glass fiber reinforcement
- Additives – UV stabilizers, coupling agents, antioxidants
🚗 Where PP+EPDM+GF20 is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Examples | Observations |
| Body / Exterior | Rigid bumpers, grilles, technical covers | High strength, slightly flexible |
| Engine Compartment | Brackets, sensor covers, mechanical parts | Withstands vibrations and heat |
| Technical Interior | Fastening structures, support panels | Thermally and dimensionally stable |
| Aftermarket / Tuning | Stiffened sport elements | Matte look, high resistance |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 270 – 290 °C | Controlled, slow melting due to fiber |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | For rigid and clean joints |
| Manual extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for reinforcements and cracks |
| Ultrasonic | — | Industrial only, in thin parts |
🔩 What to weld PP+EPDM+GF20 with (Material compatibility)
The question “what to weld PP+EPDM+GF20 with” is very important — glass fiber affects melting and shrinkage, making the correct filler material choice essential.
✅ Compatible:
- PP+EPDM+GF20 ↔ PP+EPDM+GF20 – ideal combination, perfect bond
- PP+EPDM+GF20 ↔ PP+EPDM / PP+HI – good compatibility, slightly more elastic
- PP+EPDM+GF20 ↔ PP-GF20 / PP-MD20 – partial compatibility, different shrinkage
- PP+EPDM+GF20 ↔ PP-TD20 / PP-C – compatible for minor repairs only
❌ Incompatible:
- PE, ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different melting points and chemistry
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use original PP-EPDM-GF20 welding rods or PP-GF20 if no equivalent is available. Work at 275–285 °C, with slow melting and constant pressure. Clean the exposed fiber to achieve a clean and compact weld.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
| Manufacturer | Brand / Series | Country / Region |
| LyondellBasell | Hostacom® XBR GF20 | Germany / Netherlands |
| Borealis | Daplen® GF20E | Austria |
| SABIC | PP-EPDM-GF20 | Netherlands / Global |
| TotalEnergies | Lumicene® GF20E | France |
| Hyundai EP | Polytron® EPDM-GF20 | South Korea |
| Ravago | Enyglos® TPO-GF20 | EU |
🧠 How to identify PP+EPDM+GF20
- Engraved marking: >PP-EPDM-GF20< or >TPO-GF20<
- Semi-glossy surface, with fine fiber reflections
- Rigid texture, but slightly elastic when bent
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell
- Does not fully float in water (density > 1 g/cm³)
💡 ReplastMD Practical Test: Short glass fibers are visible when cut; if the material is rigid but supports slight bending without cracking → PP-EPDM-GF20 confirmed.