Thermal properties of EPDM/NR blends

The thermal behaviour of EPDM/NR blends was studied by differential scanning calorimetry over the temperature range 335–435 K. O'Neill's method (O'Neill MG. Anal Chem 1964;36:1238) was used for calculating the specific heat capacity with aluminia as standard. The presence of natural rubber induces a marked thermal instability because of the high content of double bonds. The contribution of each component to the C_p of the tested polymer systems is discussed. The law of reciprocal affinity, the linear contribution of components to the specific heat capacity is followed by EPDM/NR blends. The influence of natural rubber on the thermal behaviour of tested mixtures was assessed by oxygen uptake method and the first derivative procedure reveals the sequence in thermal stability of ethylene-propylene-diene/natural rubber compounds.