Properties of ethylene propylene diene rubber/white and black filler composites cured by gamma radiation in presence of sorbic acid

The effect of incorporating sorbic acid (SA), an echo-friendly curing agent, and silica or carbon black (CB) filler, as well as gamma irradiation on the physico-chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) was investigated. The results indicated that the developed composites revealed improvement in the studied parameters over the untreated samples. Filler incorporation into rubber matrix has been proven a key factor in enhancing the swelling resistance, tensile strength and thermal properties of the fabricated composites. The improvement in tensile strength and modulus was attributed to better interfacial bonding via SA. Alternatively, a comparison was established between the performance of the white and black fillers. The utmost mechanical performance was reported for the incorporated ratios 10 phr SA and 40 phr white filler into a 50 kGy irradiated composite. Meanwhile, the incorporation of CB yielded better thermally stable composites than those filled with silica at similar conditions.     

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Characteristics of EPDM/UHMW-PE Composites

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibers were used in a chopped form and at different concentrations as a reinforcing material in ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymers (EPDM). The effect of radiation dose and fiber concentration on the mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber composites obtained was measured. It was found that γ-irradiation improves the interfacial adhesion between UHMW-PE fiber (Spectra 1000) and EPDM matrix which was detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the Young modulus of the composites increases as the irradiation dose increases. Increasing the concentration of the fibers up to 40 phr leads to an enhancement in mechanical properties and swelling resistance of obtained composites, especially in the absence of carbon black. The absolute value of the modulus increased by a factor of at least two with the addition of carbon black. Moreover the tear strength of reinforced and filled EPDM was improved with respect to reinforced rubber. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radiation effect on properties of carbon black filled NBR/EPDM rubber blends

Rubber blend of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber (50/50) has been loaded with increasing contents, up to 100 phr, of reinforcing filler, namely, high abrasion furnace (HAF) carbon black. Prepared composites have been subjected to gamma radiation doses up to 250 kGy to induce radiation vulcanization under atmospheric conditions. Mechanical properties, namely, tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus at 100% elongation (M₁₀₀), and hardness have been followed up as a function of irradiation dose and degree of loading with filler. On the other hand, variation of the swelling number as a physical property, as a function of same parameters, however, in car oil as well as brake oil has been undertaken. In addition, the electrical properties of prepared composites, namely, their electrical conductivity, were also evaluated. The thermal behavior of the prepared composites was also investigated. The results obtained indicate that improvement has been attained in different properties of loaded NBR/EPDM composites with respect to unloaded ones.     

Gamma irradiation degradation/modification of 5-ethylidene 2-norbornene (ENB)-based ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) depending on ENB content of EPDM and type/content of peroxides used in vulcanization

In this study, the radiation degradation/modification of the vulcanized EPDM and the effects of dose rate, peroxide type/content in vulcanization system and ENB content of EPDM were studied to investigate the change in the extend of the modification/degradation of the mechanical properties of vulcanized EPDM via gamma irradiation. In addition, thermal, dynamic mechanical, ATR-FTIR, TGA, TGA-FTIR tests were carried out to understand the change of properties of vulcanized EPDM via irradiation.Samples were irradiated with two different dose rates of 1280 and 64.6 Gy/h. Total dose of irradiation was up to 184 kGy. The FTIR spectral analysis showed structural changes of EPDM via irradiation. It was observed that the dose rate changed the mechanical properties with different extends. The change of ENB content of EPDM and peroxide type and content in vulcanization system affect extend of the modification/degradation of the EPDM's properties.     

Gamma radiation curing of nitrile rubber/high density polyethylene blends

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) was mixed with high density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastics with different ratio namely (100/20), (100/40), (100/60) and (100/80). The obtained blends were subjected to gamma irradiation with varying dose from 50 to 250 kGy. The induced crosslinking and hence the improvement in the different properties were followed up as a function of irradiation dose. Mechanical properties as tensile strength, tensile modulus at 50 % elongation, elongation at break percent, permanent set and hardness were carried out as a function of irradiation dose and blend ratio. Moreover, physical properties namely, gel fraction % and swelling number were found to improve with the increase of irradiation dose up to 250 kGy and with the increase of the content of HDPE in blend. Moreover, presence of NBR enhances the shrinking properties of the obtained blend which can be used as a good heat shrinkable material.     

Influence of fillers on mechanical properties of ATH filled EPDM during ageing by gamma irradiation

The presence of a significant content of fillers accelerates the degradation of ATH filled EPDM subjected to gamma irradiation at room temperature. Above the melting temperature of the EPDM, this induces a decrease in the apparent mechanical reinforcement of the fillers. This also promotes de-cohesion mechanisms which leads to an increase in the strain at break with irradiation dose. It is not clear whether the use of a filler treatment attenuates this accelerating effect or not; however, part of this treatment remains efficient at a high dose and seems also to delay but not suppress the occurrence of de-cohesion mechanisms at large strain. Moreover, at room temperature, i.e. below the melting temperature, all the consequences of ageing by gamma irradiation are strongly attenuated by the presence of a semi-crystalline microstructure, the morphology of which is not too strongly modified by irradiation.     

Radiation vulcanization of NR/SBR composite enhanced with different polyfunctional monomers

The effect of different polyfunctional monomers (PFMs) as enhancing agents on the properties of natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber blend reinforced with 40 (phr) part per hundred part of rubber, by weight of HAF carbon black and vulcanized with gamma irradiation was investigated. The coagents N,N’ methylene diacrylamide (MDA), trimethylol propane-trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) and trimethylol-methane tetraacrylate (TMMTA) were used at a constant content of 5 phr. The physico-chemical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus at 100 % elongation, elongation at break, gel fraction and swelling number were studied. The results indicated that the properties are greatly improved by PFMs at lower doses. TMMTA as coagent is more effective than TMPTMA and MDA.     

The influence of nano silica particles on gamma-irradiation ageing of elastomers based on chlorosulphonated polyethylene and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber

The goal of this work was to study gamma irradiation ageing of rubber blends based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber (CSM) reinforced by silica nano particles. The NBR/CSM compounds (50: 50, w/w) filled with different content of filler (0–100 phr) were crosslinked by sulfur. The vulcanization characteristics were assessed using the rheometer with an oscillating disk. The vulcanizates were prepared in a hydraulic press. The obtained materials were exposed to the different irradiation doses (100, 200, 300 and 400 kGy). The mechanical properties (hardness, modulus at 100% elongation, tensile strength and elongation at break) and swelling numbers were assessed before and after gamma irradiation ageing.     

Properties of radiation‐modified blends of polyethylene with elastomers and liquid crystalline copolyester

The results are given on the effect of γ‐irradiation on properties of blends of high and low‐density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) with elastomers ‐ethylene/propylene/diene rubber (EPDM) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP). The morphological, thermal, mechanical properties (including thermosetting properties) and adhesion properties of blended composites were investigated. A special attention was paid to the applicability of the blends as thermosetting materials (TSM). The LCP used was a copolyester of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with p‐(hydroxybenzoic acid) in the ratio 40 : 60. It was found that addition of LCP essentially influenced the thermomechanical and adhesion properties of PE composites, irradiated up to the absorbed dose 150 kGy, as well as the dimensional stability of thermosetting products, made from polyethylene/elastomer mixtures. The results show that such ternary blends considerably improve the exploitation conditions of irradiated polyethylene and useful thermosetting materials can be obtained.     

Radiation Vulcanization of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber/Butadiene Rubber Blends

Blends of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) with butadiene rubber (BR) with varying ratios have been prepared. Vulcanization of prepared blends has been induced by ionizing radiation of gamma rays with varying dose up to 250 kGy. Physical properties, namely soluble fraction and swelling number have been followed up using toluene as a solvent. Mechanical properties, namely tensile strength, tensile modulus at 100% elongation and elongation at break have been followed up as a function of irradiation dose, as well as blend composition. Thermal stability of blends was studied by TGA. The result indicated that the addition of NBR has improved the properties of NBR/BR blends. Also, NBR/BR blend is thermally stable than BR alone.     

SEM study of worn surface morphology of an indigenous ‘EPDM’ rubber

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber emerges as a dominant elastomer for major engineering applications like automobiles, constructions, electric and electronic industries and many more. The major engineering properties of EPDM are its outstanding heat, ozone and weather resistance ability. The resistance to polar substances and steam is also good. EPDM rubber has a common use as seals in automobiles.In the present work friction and sliding wear behaviors of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubbers (EPDM) of different hardness have been studied against steel counterpart under dry working condition. Different hardness of EPDM have been achieved by adding different proportion (parts per hundred) of carbon black (CB) content with the main ingredients of EPDM. Tribo-testing has been carried out in a multi tribo-tester (Ducom, India). EPDM rubber of different hardness like 55 Å, 70 Å and 85 Å has been slid against EN-8 stainless steel roller of the tester. Experiments have been conducted with different rotational speeds of the wheel at a constant load of 25N for a constant duration of 900 s. The coefficient of friction (COF), mass loss and wear of EPDM rubbers have been determined from the test data. The worn surface morphology has also been studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and concluded accordingly.Present experimental work attempts to highlight some important tribo-characteristics of an indigenous EPDM rubber as well as to shed light on various possible areas of further research works.     

Mercapto-modified copolymers in polymer blends, 1. Functionalization of EPDM with mercapto groups and its use in NBR/EPDM blends

Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) was reacted with thioacetic acid in the presence of 2,2′-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN), giving rise to thioacetate-modified EPDM (EPDMTA). The extent of the incorporation was studied as a function of both thioacetic acid and AIBN concentration and reaction time. The products were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, sulfur content, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The hydrolysis of EPDMTA in a NaOH methanolic solution resulted in mercapto-modified EPDM (EPDMSH). The addition of 5 wt.-% of this functionalized copolymer to a sulfur-vulcanized nitrile rubber (NBR)/EPDM (70 : 30 wt.-%) blend accelerated the vulcanization process as indicated by oscillating disk rheometer analysis. In addition, an improvement of mechanical and ageing properties was also observed.     

Reactive Compatibilization of Polyethylene/Ground Tire Rubber Inhomogeneous Blends via Interactions of Pre-Functionalized Polymers in Interface

Summary: Reactive compatibilization of recycled low- or high-density polyethylenes (LDPE and HDPE, respectively) and ground tire rubber (GTR) via chemical interactions of pre-functionalized components in their blend interface has been carried out. Polyethylene component was functionalized with maleic anhydride (MAH) as well as the rubber component was modified via functionalization with MAH or acrylamide (AAm) using chemically or irradiation (γ-rays) induced grafting techniques. The grafting degree and molecular mass distribution of the functionalized polymers have been measured via FTIR and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) analyses, respectively. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials based on synthesized reactive polyethylenes and GTR as well as ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, EPDM were prepared by dynamic vulcanization of the rubber phase inside thermoplastic (polyethylene) matrix and their phase structure, and main properties have been studied using DSC and mechanical testing. As a final result, the high performance TPE with improved mechanical properties have been developed.     

Studies on the properties of EPDM–CSE blend containing HTPB for case‐bonded solid rocket motor insulation

Elastomeric blends based on ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) rubber as a primary polymer have been investigated for the thermal insulation of case‐bonded solid rocket motors (SRMs) cast with composite propellant containing hydroxy terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a polymeric binder. EPDM rubber found as an attractive candidate for the thermal insulation of case‐bonded SRM due to the advantages such as low specific gravity, improved ageing properties, and longer shelf life. In spite of these advantages, EPDM, a non‐polar rubber, lacks sufficient bonding with the propellant matrix. Bonding properties are found to improve when EPDM is blended with other polar rubbers like polychloroprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSE), etc. This type of polar polymer when blended with EPDM rubber enhances the insulator‐to‐propellant interface bonding. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the properties of EPDM–CSE based insulator by incorporating HTPB, a polar polymer as well as a polymeric binder, as an additive to the EPDM–CSE blend by varying the HTPB concentration. Blends prepared were cured and characterized for rheological, mechanical, interface, and thermal properties to study the effect of HTPB addition. This paper reports the preliminary investigation of the properties of EPDM–CSE blend containing HTPB, as a novel and futuristic elastomeric insulation for case‐bonded SRM containing HTPB as propellant binder. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Degradation profiles in aged EPDM water seals using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy

The degradation of an ethylene–propylene-diene (EPDM) rubber seal used in a water supply system was investigated using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). The EPDM rubber seal was used for 3 years within the temperature range 20–40 °C in a city water system. The accretions present on the surface of the EPDM seal after use were observed by SEM and were found to consist of iron and oxygen atoms based on energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. A cross-sectional depth image of the EPDM rubber was obtained by FIB-SEM, after slicing the EPDM rubber with a focused Gallium ion beam. Iron and oxygen atoms in the cross-section of the EPDM rubber were detected through EDS. The distribution of iron was comparable to that of oxygen derived from the carbonyl groups generated by the degradation of EPDM, suggesting that iron ions may promote the degradation of natural rubber through catalytic effects.     

Thermoplastic elastomers based on waste rubber and expanded polystyrene: Role of devulcanization and ionizing radiation

Waste rubber (WR) powder as a vulcanized one was introduced into a two-roll mill in the presence of various ratios of curatives to develop sheets of devulcanized waste rubber (DWR). Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) were prepared by blending either WR or the obtained DWR with the waste of expanded polystyrene (EPS) at a fixed ratio of 70 rubber/30 EPS in the absence or presence of gamma irradiation at 100?kGy. Maleic anhydride (MA) 1?wt% with respect to rubber was used as coupling agent. The mechanical parameters of the blends: tensile properties, rheology, hardness (Shore D), and abrasion resistance were studied.     

Dynamically vulcanized ethylene propylene diene terpolymer/nylon thermoplastic elastomers

A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and nylon with excellent mechanical properties was prepared by dynamic vulcanization. The effects of the curing systems, compatibilizer, nylon content and reprocessing on the mechanical properties of EPDM/nylon TPEs were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicate that maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted EPR has a better performance in compatibilizing the EPDM/nylon blends compared with other compatibilizers containing acid group. Tensile strength and elongation at break go through a maximum value at a compatibilizer resin content (on total rubber dosage) of 20%. EPDM/nylon TPE using sulfur as curative has higher tensile strength and elongation than that of TPE using phenolic resin or peroxide as curatives. Tensile strength and elongation at break increase with increasing nylon content. Scanning electron microscopy results show that rubber particles distributed at an average size of 1 μm in dynamic vulcanized EPDM/MAH-g-EPR/nylon TPE.     

Simultaneous Enhancement of Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber/Recycled Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber Blends by Electron Beam Irradiation

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of natural rubber/recycled ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (NR/R-EPDM) blends were simultanoeusly enhanced by electron beam (EB) irradiation. The cross-linking promoter, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), was also introduced into the blends to induce the cross-linking. By applying EB irradiation, the tensile modulus, hardness, swelling, cross-link density, and storage modulus increased with increase in the irradiation dose; an irradiation dose of 50 kGy was efficient to gain optimum tensile strength. The formation of irradiation-induced cross-links after EB irradiation is a major concern for the enhancement of mechanical, swelling resistance, and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends.     

Comparative study on degradation of ethylene-propylene rubber for nuclear cables from gamma and beta irradiation

Considering safety is the priority concern of nuclear power plants, equipment qualification testing of the nuclear components manufactured should be paid special attention to. Thereinto, equivalent conversion (1:1) from the absorbed beta doses to gamma doses is a rule of thumb for irradiation qualification testing of the polymers used as nuclear cables, however whether it is reasonable and applicable to Chinese domestic polymers still requires investigation. In this paper, both gamma and beta irradiation testing with the actual dose rates and total absorbed doses in China Advanced Passive (CAP) series nuclear power plant was performed upon one domestically manufactured ethylene-propylene rubber intended for nuclear cable insulation in China. The mechanical and the electrical properties before and after irradiation were measured to compare the extent and the trend of degradation between the two irradiation types, and related oxidation degradation mechanism especially its attenuation along the thickness was quantitatively addressed.     

Thermogravimetric and wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis of thermoplastic elastomers from nylon copolymer and EPDM rubber

Nylon copolymer (PA6, 66) and ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) blends with and without compatibilizer were prepared by melt mixing using Brabender Plasticorder. The thermal stability of nylon copolymer (PA6, 66)/ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) blends was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of the blends was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this work, the effects of blend ratio and compatibilisation on thermal stability and crystallinity were investigated. The incorporation of EPDM rubber was found to improve the thermal stability of nylon copolymer. The kinetic parameters of the degradation process were also studied. A good correlation was observed between the thermal properties and phase morphology of the blends. By applying Coats and Redfern method, the activation energies of various blends were derived from the Thermogravimetric curves. The compatibilization of the blends using EPM-g-MA has increased the degradation temperature and decreased the weight loss. EPM-g-MA is an effective compatibilizer as it increases the decomposition temperature and thermal stability of the blends. Crystallinity of various systems has been studied using wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The addition of EPDM decreases the crystallinity of the blend systems.