Specifics of the structure and mechanical properties of blends of isotactic polypropylene with ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer

The structure of unvulcanized and dynamically vulcanized blends of isotactic PP with ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) having an EPDM content of 5–85 wt % was studied by means of atomic force microscopy. The systems based on the virgin elastomer and the elastomer plasticized with 50% oligomer were examined. During thermal treatment (molding), the structure of the unvulcanized materials undergoes substantial changes. The morphology of dynamically vulcanized blends containing up to 75 wt % rubber is characterized by a homogeneous distribution of crosslinked rubber particles with a particle size of less than 2 μm in the continuous thermoplastic matrix. During PP blending with the plasticized elastomer, the oligomer diffuses into the thermoplastic phase, with the oligomer being distributed evenly between the blend components. As a result, the stress-strain characteristics of the plasticized systems decline relative to those of the oligomer-free materials. A comparative analysis of the dependence of the elastic modulus on the composition of the blends with the theoretical values obtained in terms of the Kerner, Uemura-Takayanagi, Davies, and Coran-Patel models was performed.     

Influence of composition of vulcanizing system on structure and properties of dynamically vulcanized blends of isotactic polypropylene with ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer

The structure of polypropylene and its blends with ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer containing the unvulcanized and the vulcanized rubber phase was studied by the techniques of X-ray diffraction, DSC, and NMR relaxation. It was shown that partial formation of the β form of polypropylene crystals took place during the dynamic vulcanization of the blends. The temperature and the enthalpy of melting of the blends remained unchanged, regardless of the presence of the β phase. By means of the NMR relaxation technique, it was established that an increase in the elastomer content led to alteration in the structure of amorphous regions of the blend. The character of plastic flow of the initial blends is determined by both the component ratio and the composition of the vulcanizing system. The amount of the β phase of PP had no effect of the yield stress of the blends. The ultimate strength and elongation at break do not depend on the vulcanizing-system composition at ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer volume fractions less than 0. 5. It was shown that equations based on the model of minimal cross section fit with the experimental results for the yield stress and the tensile strength of the PP-elastomer blends depending on the component ratio.     

Influence of size reduction of crosslinked rubber particles on phase interface in dynamically vulcanized poly (vinylidene fluoride)/silicone rubber blends

In this paper, the influence of rubber particle size on the phase interface in dynamically vulcanized poly(vinylidene fluoride)/silicone rubber (PVDF/SR) blends without any modifier is discussed through the studies of specific surface of crosslinked SR particles, crystallization behavior and crystal morphology of the PVDF phase, interfacial crystallization, melt rheological behavior and mechanical properties of blends. A series of decreased average particle size was successfully obtained by control of rotor rate. It was found that properly high rotor rate helped to achieve a reduced particle size and a narrowing size distribution. The reduced SR particle size enlarged the PVDF/SR interface which has a positive effect on the interfacial crystallization and the melt rheological behavior. At high SR content, the negative effect of the poor interface interactions played the dominate role on determining the mechanical properties. However, the blend exhibited a unique stiffness-toughness balance at the PVDF/SR = 90/10. We hope that the present study could help to lay a scientific foundation for further design of a useful PVDF/SR blend with promoted properties to partly replace the high-cost synthetic fluorosilicone materials.     

Mechanical and Rheological Behavior of Unvulcanized and Dynamically Vulcanized i-PP/EPDM Blends

The mechanical and rheological behavior of dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM blends is examined and compared with those of unvulcanized blends. The effect of blend ratio and dynamic vulcanization of EPDM rubber on tensile properties and flow are investigated. The mechanical properties of the blends are strongly influenced by the blend ratio. With the increasing of EPDM content the value of yield stress in a solid state decreases with the elastomer volume fractions less than 0.45 for the unvulcanized blends. For the dynamically vulcanized blends the interval of EPDM content, at which the yield peak is seen, is rather limited below 0.25 elastomer volume fractions. It is shown that dynamic vulcanization changes the deformational behavior of PP/EPDM blends. The rheological properties of dynamically vulcanized blends depending on the ratio of the components may be similar to the properties of polymer composites containing the highly disperse structuring filler. The distinction between the rheological behavior of unvulcanized and dynamically vulcanized blends is related to differences of their structures and viscoelastic characteristics of unvulcanized and vulcanized EPDM phase.     

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.     

应力引发官能化EPDM/HDPE及其对PA66/EPDM/HDPE 共混物相形态和力学性能的影响

通过提高双螺杆挤出机螺杆转速的方法,研究了熔融挤出过程中高剪切应力对马来酸酐(MAH)官能化三元乙丙橡胶(EPDM)与高密度聚乙烯(HDPE)共混物的接枝率、熔体流动速率及凝胶含量的影响.随着双螺杆挤出机螺杆转速的增加,强烈的机械剪切应力引发EPDM/HDPE共混物大分子链的断链反应形成大分子自由基,从而引发接枝反应制...     

Preparation and characterization of vinyltriethoxysilane grafted ethylene propylene diene terpolymer/linear low density polyethylene (EPDM‐g‐VTES/LLDPE) blends

Graft polymerization of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) onto ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM) was carried out in toluene using dicumylperoxide (DCP) as initiator. Effects of various parameters (EPDM content, VTES content, reaction time, reaction temperature and initiator concentration) on the grafting efficiency of VTES onto EPDM were investigated. At the optimum grafting efficiency conditions, EPDM‐g‐VTES was developed by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder and then linear (l), statically vulcanized (s) and dynamically vulcanized (d) blends of EPDM‐g‐VTES with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) with varying percentage compositions were prepared by melt mixing in the twin screw extruder. The grafting of VTES onto EPDM and its crosslinking was confirmed by FT‐IR. The characterization of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus and hardness, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and morphology were studied and compared for the EPDM‐g‐VTES/LLDPE blends. The study reveals that the dynamically vulcanized blend improves the mechanical and thermal properties due to the presence of efficient interaction between component polymers when compared with other blends. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Morphology,mechanical, and fracture properties of HNBR modified ASA/SAN blends

In this work, acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic terpolymer/styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer/hydrogenated nitrile rubber (ASA/SAN/HNBR) ternary blends with different composition were prepared by melt blending. Properties of the ternary blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), heat distortion temperature (HDT), melt flow rate (MFR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the incorporation of HNBR can enhance the toughness by a large scale, and the two rubber phase showed partial miscibility. Heat resistance of the blends almost unchanged with HNBR content. FTIR told that the preparation of the ternary blends was a physical process, and no obvious phase separation was observed in SEM images.     

Compatibilization of elastomer-based blends

The reactive compatibilization of ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM)-based dissimilar elastomer blends has been investigated in terms of mechanical properties and swelling degree. The use of mercapto-functionalized copolymers resulted in an improvement of mechanical properties of natural rubber-EPDM blends. The mercapto-groups are able to react with the carbon-carbon double bonds of the high diene rubber, resulting in a good interaction between phases. These interactions were confirmed by the amount of insoluble material obtained in non-vulcanized blends. From dynamic mechanical properties and swelling degree, one can suggest a covulcanization process in these blends cured with sulfur-based system. Blends composed by nitrile rubber with EPDM displayed good results in terms of mechanical properties when mercapto-functionalized EVA was employed instead of functionalized EPDM, probably because of the higher polarity of the former associated to its lower viscosity. Additionally, an improvement on mechanical properties was also achieved by using EPDM functionalized with mercapto or anhydride groups in combination with nitrile rubber functionalized with epoxy or oxazoline groups.     

Preparation and flammability of EPDM/PP/Mg(OH)2 dynamic vulcanizates

Magnesium hydroxide (MH) flame retardant dynamic vulcanized ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM)/polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared by a twin‐screw extruder. Influences of MH on their morphology, mechanical properties, flammability, and crystallization behavior have been investigated. Static tensile measurements exhibited that TPVs have higher mechanical properties than un‐vulcanized EPDM/PP/MH blends (UVBs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that the formation of the larger‐size “micro‐encapsulated structure” where the MH aggregates were covered with a cross‐linked rubber phase improved the interaction between MH and polymer matrix. Results of limiting oxygen index (LOI) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) confirmed that TPVs had superior fire‐resistant properties to UVBs. SEM images showed that more uniform and compact charred layers were generated in TPVs. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the crystallization behavior of the flame retardant TPVs changed marginally with increase in MH content. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polyolefin blends

Polyolefin blends of proper morphology exhibit physical properties from high-extension, low-modulus elastomers to high-modulus tough resins. The morphology is controlled by rheology of the polymers, blending conditions and the use of graft polymer compatibilizers. The graft polymers were synthesized by polymerizing isotactic polypropylene with unsaturation in an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer. Graft copolymers result in smaller phase sizes and a more stable morphology for the blends. The development of polyolefin blends is reviewed with emphasis on materials with high concentration of elastomer phase.     

Blending of Natural Rubber/Recycled Ethylene-Propylene-diene Rubber: Promoting the Interfacial Adhesion Between Phases by Natural Rubber Latex

This article deals with blends based on natural rubber (NR) and recycled ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (R-EPDM). Natural rubber latex (NRL) was introduced into the blends to enhance interfacial adhesion between NR and R-EPDM. A new route of compounding was also suggested. The blends were prepared by mixing R-EPDM and other additives in NRL before blending with natural rubber on a two-roll mill. By applying this method, the homogeneity of the blends and cross-linking distribution are significantly improved. The blends exhibited superior state of cure, swelling resistance, mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties. The degree of entanglement between NR and R-EPDM also increased after NRL modification.     

Toughening behavior of polyamide-rubber blends

The impact behavior of nylon 6- rubber blends is studied by varying the rubber concentration (0–26 vol. %), rubber particle size (0.1 - 2.0 μm) and rubber properties. The brittle to tough transition shifts to lower temperatures by increasing the rubber concentration, decreasing the particle size and by lowering the modulus of the elastomer. With very small particle sizes, however, the transition temperature increases again. The toughness of the blends above their transition temperature increases with the rubber concentration, but the particle size has only some effect. Very small particle sizes decrease the impact behavior. The postulated deformation mechanism is cavitation of the rubber followed by shear deformation of the matrix.     

Structure and mechanical properties of SRP/HDPE/POE (EPR or EPDM) composites

The effects of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and ethylene-octylene copolymer (POE), ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPR) or ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) on the structure and properties of scrap rubber powder (SRP)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were studied. Torque and gel content results show that DCP promotes crosslinking of the SRP/HDPE/POE (EPR or EPDM) composites. The SRP/HDPE/POE (EPR or EPDM) composites containing a small amount of DCP have better mechanical properties than their corresponding composites without DCP. Highest tensile strength and elongation at break are found in the dynamically vulcanized SRP/HDPE/POE composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that good bonding between SRP and matrix is formed in the SRP/HDPE/POE (EPR or EPDM) composites with DCP.     

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.     

Surface and bulk modification of ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer elastomer: Adhesion to polyurethane and mechanical properties

Effect of adding millable polyurethane as adhesion promoter to the ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer as well as to the terpolymer modified by grafting of maleic anhydride on the adhesion between the terpolymer and polyurethane coating was studied. The results of peel test and water contact angle measurements showed that surface and bulk modification of terpolymer cause a significant improvement in its adhesion properties. The effect of the composition of the polymer blends on the loss tangent was studied to evaluate the extent of polymer compatibility and damping characteristics. Results demonstrated that modification of terpolymer with maleic anhydride can improve its compatibility with polyurethane, which was further confirmed by the results of the mechanical and morphological study.     

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.     

Dynamically Photocrosslinking of Polypropylene／EPDM Blends as a Thermoplastic Elastomer

The mechanical properties and the crystal morphological structures of the dynamically photocrosslinked polypropylene (PP)/ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) blends have been studied by means of mechanical tests, wide-angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD), and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The dynamically photocrosslinking of the PP/EPDM blends can improve the mechanical properties considerably, especially the notched Izod impact strength at low temperatures. The data obtained from the mechanical tests show that the notched Izod impact strength of the dynamically photocrosslinked sample with 30% EPDM at -20℃ is about six times that of the uncrosslinked sample with the same EPDM component. The results from the gel content, the results of WAXD, and the DSC measurements reveal the enhanced mechanism of the impact strength for the dynamically photocrosslinked PP/EPDM blends as follows: (1) There exists the crosslinking of the EPDM phase in the photocrosslinked PP/EPDM blends ; (2) The β-type crystal structureof PP is formed and the content of α-type crystal decreases with increasing the EPDM component; (3) The graft copolymer of PP-g-EPDM is formed at the interface between the PP and EPDM components. All the above changes of the crystal morphological structures are favorable for increasing the compatibility and enhancing the toughness of the PP/EPDM blends at low temperatures.     

Processing,properties and morphology of polypropylene-epdm blends

Blends of polypropylene and an elastomer (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, EPDM) are systematically investigated to determine the effect of the rubber on the polymer properties. Five compositions on the complete range of blend compositions are analyzed. The study reported here is a first of a series which main objective is to analyze in a systematic way the influence of the different factors that determine the effectiveness of EPDM as an impact modifier for PP. In this first part of the study, the processing behavior of the PP-EPDM blends are analyzed and the mechanical properties of the processed blends (tensile, flexural and impact resistance) are examined. Halpin-Tsai and porosity models successfully represent the mechanical behavior of the blends. The model results allow a physical interpretation of the role of the dispersed phase in terms of the aspect ratio and of the stress concentration factors associated to the dispersed particles. Moreover, the mechanical properties are correlated with the morphology of the blends studied by scanning electron microscopy, where two phases are clearly observed in the complete range of compositions. The results show that PP-EPDM blends with at low rubber content present a good processability, without significant deterioration with respect to neat PP and with a considerable improvement of the room and low temperature performance.     

An investigation of dynamic mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of housing materials for outdoor polymeric insulators

The present paper reports the results about a study of mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical and electrical properties of housing (weather shed) materials for outdoor polymeric insulators. Silicone rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and alloys of silicon-EPDM are known polymers for use as housing in high voltage insulators. The result of dynamical mechanical measurement shows that the storage modulus of blends enhances with increase EPDM in formulation. It can be seen from the result of TGA measurement that initial thermal degradation of silicone rubber improves by the effect of EPDM in blends. The blends of silicone-EPDM show good breakdown voltage strength compared to silicone rubber. Surface and volume resistance of silicone rubber improve by EPDM content. The mechanical properties of EPDM such as strength, modulus and elongation at break improve by silicone.