Styrene butadiene rubber/epoxidized natural rubber blends: dynamic properties, curing characteristics and swelling studies

The dynamic properties, curing characteristics and swelling behaviour of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blends were studied. The incorporation of ENR 50 in the blends improved processability, stiffness, resilience and reduced the damping property. In terms of curing characteristics, the scorch time, t₂ and curing time, t₉₀ of the SBR/ENR blends decrease with increasing ENR content. At room temperature (23°C) and at 100°C the swelling degree of the SBR/ENR blends decreases with increasing ENR content.