AEM/VAMAC®
(Ethylene / Acrylic)

Vamac® (also known as AEM or Ethylene-Acrylic rubber) is a premium elastomer widely used for demanding sealing, hose, and gasket applications, especially in automotive and industrial environments.

What is AEM / Vamac®

• AEM is a copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate, with a small amount of a third monomer added to provide cure sites in the polymer chain.
• This molecular structure gives AEM a fully-saturated backbone with polar side groups, which in turn provides a unique balance of thermal stability, fluid resistance, and low-temperature flexibility.
• Because of these properties, Vamac® often behaves similarly to polyacrylate rubbers — but with superior low-temperature performance and enhanced mechanical strength.

Key Properties & Performance

Depending on specific compound formulations, AEM / Vamac® can deliver:

• Wide temperature service range — standard compounds are typically rated for continuous use from around –29 °C to +150 °C; many variants can handle short-term peaks up to ~175 °C.
• Excellent heat, ozone, weathering, and UV resistance, making it ideal for both under-bonnet and outdoor applications.
• Good mechanical strength — including tear resistance, abrasion resistance, flex life, and adhesion to metals, which are all vital for long-lasting seals and dynamic components.
• Low gas permeability and good sealing performance, particularly valuable in fluid- or pressure-containing systems.
• Good resistance to water, coolant/glycol mixtures, dilute acids and alkalis, and many common chemicals.
• Resilience across dynamic conditions, including vibration dampening, flexing, and repeated compression — making it suited for dynamic or stressed components.

Typical Applications

Because of its balanced performance profile, AEM / Vamac® is commonly used in:

• Seals and gaskets in automotive powertrain systems — e.g., transmission seals, power steering components, cam covers, and engine-related gaskets.
• Hoses, boots, dampers, and flexible connectors that must withstand high heat, mechanical stress, and exposure to oils or fluids — such as turbocharger hoses, air-management/ intake hoses, and vacuum lines.
• Dynamic sealing applications and moving components, where resistance to flexing, vibration, and repeated motion is crucial.
• Industrial or environmental sealing where exposure to ozone, UV, weather, and chemicals is expected — for cables, jacketing, and certain fluid-handling components.

Strengths — What AEM Does Well

High-temperature stability and heat ageing — AEM maintains integrity under prolonged high temperatures, outperforming many standard elastomers.
Weathering, ozone & UV resistance — Suitable for both under-bonnet and outdoor use, in harsh climates or exposed environments.
Mechanical robustness — Strong tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and flex life make AEM reliable for dynamic or high-stress applications.
Good sealing performance — Low gas permeability, good compression set characteristics, and stable performance under vibration/dynamic load.
Balanced fluid & chemical resistance — Handles water, coolant/glycol, some acids/alkalis, and many lubricants/fluids encountered in automotive and industrial contexts.
Low-temperature flexibility — More flexible at colder temperatures than many comparable rubbers, reducing risk of cracking or rigidity in cold environments.

Summary — When to Choose AEM / Vamac®

Choose AEM / Vamac® when you need a versatile elastomer that delivers:

• a wide operating temperature range
• high heat and weather resistance
• good mechanical strength under dynamic or static conditions
• balanced chemical/fluid resistance
• reliability for sealing, hose, gasket, or flexible-connection applications

It is particularly suitable for automotive powertrain, engine/turbo, air-management, and fluid-handling systems, as well as industrial and environmental sealing where exposure to heat, ozone, and varying temperatures is expected.

Looking for an alternative style?  Click here to contact our Sales team.

Please note – Vamac ® is not recommended for exposure to concentrated acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, gasoline, ketones, brake fluids and phosphate esters.

This Material Data Sheet section is to be used as a professional guide only. Eastern Seals (UK) Ltd may source their products from a variety of Quality Approved Suppliers and the data shown should not be relied upon by any purchaser without verification of material source.

ES REF	Colour	Temp Range	Hardness	Notes	Data Sheet
AEM70	BLACK	-29°C to +150°C	70	Copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate, with a small amount of a third monomer added to provide a cure to active groups in the polymer chain, Vamac ® exhibits properties similar to those of polyacrylate, but with an extended low temperature limit and better mechanicals.	AEM70 (Vamac)