EPDM recycling assisted by γ-processing

The integration of waste ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM), containing carbon black into pristine EPDM can be achieved by γ-irradiation as a versatile procedure to process ethylene–propylene elastomers. The presence of acrylic acid in the material formulation allows the formation of intermolecular bridges by threefold increase in gel content. The possibility of achieving greater stability by the addition of acrylic acid in EPDM systems was analyzed. The start materials were EPDM containing 30 and 50 phr of EPDM powder loaded with 40 phr of carbon black aged by pre-exposure to electron beam irradiation. The advanced γ-irradiation exceeding 100 kGy represented the optimal radiation processing condition. Two procedures of chemiluminescence under isothermal and non-isothermal regimes for the evaluation of radiation stability were applied on γ-irradiated samples. The thermal strength of irradiated samples was characterized based on the radiolysis mechanism of EPDM. The variation in the activation energy required for the thermal oxidation of these samples and the modification in gel contents due to the gelation action of acrylic acid were presented for the validation of proposed recycling radiochemical technique. Charlesby–Pinner representation provided different values for the ratios between radiochemical yields of cross-linking and scission, proving that the presence of acrylic acid promoted the conversion of EPDM wastes into valuable materials.     

Modification In Situ of EPDM Filled with Carbon Black by Glycidyl Methacrylate

A method of chemical modification in situ of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) filled with carbon black was studied. A bifunctional monomer, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), was used as the modifier to improve the dispersibility of carbon black in the rubber and to enhance the mechanical properties of EPDM vulcanizates. The effects of GMA on the structure and properties of EPDM vulcanizates such as determination of cross-linking density and vulcanizing properties as well as mechanical properties were investigated by FT-IR, SEM, and DMTA. The results showed the addition of GMA into carbon black filled EPDM compounds could remarkably improve the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates. The optimum content of GMA was about 5.0 phr when the content of carbon black was 50 phr. The reason for improvement of the mechanical properties might be attributed to the chemical combinations between rubber macromolecular chains and carbon black surfaces by GMA. The action of GMA was similar to a cocuring agent and a coupling agent.     

Effects of carbon blacks on electrical properties of EPDM compounds

The correlations between mechanical and electrical properties of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) compounds and carbon black types and levels applied are studied. Tensile strength increases with an increase of the carbon black, especially for carbon black with higher surface area. Tracking resistance of EPDM compounds improves when a small amount of relatively nonconductive carbon blacks are added to EPDM compounds, whereas conductive carbon blacks decrease both dielectric properties and tracking resistance of EPDM compounds. Possible reasons for these results are discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 2540–2546, 2000     

Rheology and properties of EPDM/BR blends with or without a homogenizing agent or a coupling agent

Rheology, dynamic mechanical properties, mechanical properties, and morphology of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber/butadiene rubber (EPDM/BR) blends with or without a homogenizing agent or a coupling agent were investigated. AAHR (a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon resins) was used as a coupling agent. The dynamic mechanical analysis and the morphological studies revealed that EPDM and BR were incompatible and the addition of AAHR was very effective to plasticize the EPDM/BR blend and enhance the compatibility between EPDM and BR. It was found that the addition of an AAHR increased the amounts of bound rubbers and, hence, the vulcanizate properties such as tear strength and fatigue resistance of the EPDM/BR blends were improved. The blends of maleic anhydride-grafted EPDM and BR were also prepared and the properties were compared. The dynamic mechanical analysis and the morphological studies revealed that the addition of TESPT increased the weight of bound rubbers and provided better dispersion of carbon black, resulting in good mechanical properties such as tear strength and fatigue resistance of the vulcanized EPDM/BR blends. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Natural rubber/ethylene propylene diene blends for high insulation iron crossarms

This research studied the composition and behavior of natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends at various carbon black concentrations (0–30 phr) in terms of electrical resistivity, dielectric breakdown voltage testing, and physical properties. The blends having electrical properties suitable for application in high‐insulation iron crossarms were selected for investigation of compatibility and increased physical properties. The effect of the homogenizing agent concentration on improvement of compatibility of blends was studied by scanning electron microscopy, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and rheology techniques. We also examined mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, and hardness. The NR/EPDM blends filled with a fixed concentration of silica were investigated for ozone resistance. A carbon black content as high as 10 phr is still suitable for the insulation coating material, which can withstand electrical voltage at 10 kVac. Addition of the homogenizing agent at 5 phr can improve the mechanical compatibility of blends, as evidenced by the positive deviation of shear viscosity of the rubber blend, that is, the calculated shear viscosity being higher than that of experimental data. Moreover, the pulsed NMR results indicated that the spin‐spin relaxation (T₂) of all three components of the rubber blend was compressed upon the addition of the homogenizing agent. The ratio of NR/EPDM in the blend to best resist the ozone gas is 80/20 with the addition of silica of 30 phr into the blend. Also, the NR/EPDM filled with silica had a decreased change in thermal and mechanical properties of blends after thermal aging. The synergistic effect of silica content and high NR content (80) in 20 phr EPDM could improve antioxidation by ozone in the absence of a normal antioxidant for natural rubber. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3401–3416, 2004     

Effects of thermal aging on fatigue of carbon black–reinforced EPDM rubber

Deterioration of the parameters measuring the fatigue of rubber compounds as a result of thermal aging was investigated. The energy to break, tear strength, fatigue life, and fatigue crack propagation rate of EPDM rubber compounds reinforced with three different types of carbon black before and after different periods of thermal aging were measured and compared through a series of static and cyclic loading tests. The experimental results indicated that the fatigue resistance of EPDM rubber compounds with different types of carbon black was consistently reduced because of changes in the molecular structure and crosslink density as a result of thermal aging. Meanwhile, the intrinsic flaws of carbon black–reinforced EPDM rubber compounds after 6 months of thermal aging were smaller, regardless of the type of carbon black. Therefore, the effects of thermal aging on the fatigue of rubber compounds are significant and should be taken into account in designing rubber components. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1244–1251, 2007     

Studies on Epdm/Nr Blends. I. Dielectric and Mechanical Properties

Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubberlnatural rubber blends (EPDM/NR) in different proportions (100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, and 0 : 100) reinforced with 20 phr semireinforcing furnace carbon black have been studied. The permittivity ?' and dielectric loss ?″ for these samples were determined in the frequency range 10²–10⁷ Hz. Also, their physico-mechanical properties were investigated.

The EPDM/NR blend (75 : 25) possessed the best mechanical properties and stability against aging. Thus, it was chosen to explore the effect of adding carbon black in different quantities up to 50 phr on its electrical and mechanical properties. Three different types of carbon black. namely high-abrasion furnace black, fast-extrusion furnace black, and medium thermal black, were used. At a certain concentration of carbon black, referred to as the threshold percolation concentration, an abrupt increase in ?′ and ?″, which depends on its type, was detected. This could be attributed to some sort of interaction between the blend and the carbon black at higher concentrations.     

Mechanical and aging properties of cross‐linked ethylene propylene diene rubber / styrene butadiene rubber blends

The mechanical properties and aging characteristics of blends of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) were investigated with special reference to the effect of blend ratio and cross‐linking systems. Among the blends, the one with 80/20 EPDM/SBR has been found to exhibit the highest tensile, tear, and abrasion properties at ambient temperature. The observed changes in the mechanical properties of the blends have been correlated with the phase morphology, as attested by scanning electron micrographs (SEMs). The effects of three different cure systems, namely, sulfur (S), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and a mixed system consisting of sulfur and peroxide (mixed) on the blend properties also were studied. The stress‐strain behavior, tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength of the blends were found to be better for the mixed system. The influence of fillers such as high‐abrasion furnace (HAF) black, general‐purpose furnace (GPF) black, silica, and clay on the mechanical properties of 90/10 EPDM/SBR blend was examined. The ozone and water aging studies also were conducted on the sulfur cured blends, to supplement the results from the mechanical properties investigation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2606–2621, 2004     

The Preparation and Characterization of Silk/Gelatin Biocomposites

There is a growing interest in the use of composite materials. Silk fiber/gelatin biocomposites were fabricated using compression molding. The fiber content in the composite varied from 10–30 wt%. Composite containing 30 wt% silk showed the best mechanical properties. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, bending modulus and impact strength, hardness of the 30% silk content composites were found 54 MPa, 0.95 GPa, 75 MPa and 0.43 GPa and 5.4 kJ/m², 95.5 Shore A, respectively. Water uptake properties at room temperature, accelerated weathering aging, irradiation, thermomechanical analysis, and degradation in soil were carried out in this experiment.     

乙烯含量对EPDM硫化特性和动态力学性能的影响

通过无转子硫化仪(MDR)、橡胶加工分析仪(RPA)及力学性能测试,研究了乙烯含量对过氧化物硫化EPDM未填充体系及炭黑填充体系硫化特性及动态力学性能的影响。结果表明,对于未填充/填充体系,随着乙烯含量的增加,胶料的交联程度提高,硫化反应表观速率常数K值增大,硫化诱导时间(td)不变。相比于未填充体系,加入炭黑,在促进体系硫化速率和硫化程度的同时,硫化后期还会加剧胶料的降解程度。乙烯含量高的EPDM,拉伸强度高,炭黑-橡胶相互作用大,炭黑补强效果好,但乙烯含量对EPDM橡胶储能模量的应变依赖性没有明显影响。     

Modification of Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer Rubber by Some Thermoplastic Polymers

Abstract

Blends of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber with thermoplastic polyolefins such as low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), high molecular weight polypropylene (PP), and polypropylene random copolymer grade (PP‐R) were prepared by melt mixing. The physico‐mechanical properties, equilibrium swelling in benzene, and aging properties of the binary blends were investigated, analyzing the effect of the rubber/thermoplastics ratio and the type of the thermoplastic material on these properties. The data obtained indicate that EPDM/PP‐R blend in 20/80 w/w% shows the highest physico‐mechanical properties with improved retained tensile strength at 90°C for 7 days. This blend ratio also gives excellent retained equilibrium swelling in benzene at room temperature for 7 days, although EPDM/LDPE blend in 80/20 w/w% imparts the highest retained elongation at break at 90°C for 7 days.     

Improvements of the Tensile Properties of Recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) by the Use of Carbonized Olive Solid Waste

Recycling of plastic poses several concerns to manufacturers. The most important concern is the unpredictable of their mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and ductility). Olive solid waste, an abundant material usually thrown into land causing harms to environment was mixed with HDPE plastic and used as a filling material. The mixture was fed to a house made extruder operating at different speed and temperature. Two carbon particle sizes range (less than 150 µm and 180–250 µm) were used. The effect of carbon contents from 0 to 10% wt/wt and operating conditions were tested on the mechanical properties of the recycled HDPE plastic. It was found that up to 5% wt/wt carbon of less than 150 µm resulted in a noticeable improvement of modulus of elasticity and tensile strength. The optimum value of modulus at carbon particle size 180–250 µm was found at 2.5 olive solid carbon content. Increasing screw speed was found to increase tensile modulus and strength of used plastic. This was related to melt viscosity and reduction in particle size. An increase in processing temperature was found to improve tensile properties up to certain point where degradation of polymeric matrix begins to occur and therefore tensile properties deteriorate.     

Effect of different types of carbon black on the mechanical and acoustic properties of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber

The effects of the incorporation of different types of carbon black as fillers on some selected physical and mechanical properties of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) based compounds were studied with the results of density, ultrasonic wave velocity, and tensile measurements. Ultrasonic wave velocities (both longitudinal and shear) were measured at frequencies up to 4 MHz at room temperature. The density, ultrasonic attenuation coefficient, and tensile strength results showed that rubber mixes containing general‐purpose furnace (GPF) black at a concentration of 25 phr had the best physical and mechanical properties. These results were interpreted to be due to the better compatibility of GPF black, which, because of its particle size and structure, filled the interstitial spaces in EPDM and provided better reinforcement of the elastomer. The use of a nondestructive technique such as ultrasonic measurement presents a new possibility for testing rubber and plastic products more efficiently. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Comparative study of silica-, nanoclay- and carbon black-filled EPDM rubbers

Silica-, nanoclay-, and carbon black (CB)-filled ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) mixtures were prepared and subsequently vulcanized. Rheological properties and cure characteristics of the mixtures and mechanical properties of vulcanizates were measured. Rheological property measurements indicated the storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex dynamic viscosity of silica-filled EPDM mixtures were much higher than those of CB-filled EPDM mixtures while tan δ values were lower. The optimum cure time of silica- and nanoclay-filled EPDM mixtures increased with filler loading, whereas the values for CB-filled mixtures slightly decreased with loading. The hardness, modulus, elongation at break, and tensile strength of all the vulcanizates increased with increasing filler loading. The elongation at break of CB-filled EPDM vulcanizates increased insignificantly with CB loading. Among the three fillers, the increase of the tensile strength and elongation at break was most significant for silica-filled EPDM vulcanizates. Remarkably, for 30 phr silica-filled EPDM vulcanizates, a tensile strength and elongation at break of 23.5 MPa and 1045% was achieved, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

硫化体系对EPDM硫化胶力学性能的影响

考察了4,4′-二硫代二吗啉（DTDM）,N,N′-间苯撑双马来酰亚胺（HVA-2）,甲基丙烯酸镁与硫黄和过氧化二异丙苯（DCP）复合硫化体系对三元乙丙橡胶力学性能的影响。结果表明,与纯硫黄硫化胶相比,DTDM/HVA-2/S复合硫化体系的EPDM硫化胶拉断伸长率及压缩永久变形均较小,而拉伸强度、定伸应力和硬度均较大,耐老化性能较好。甲基丙烯酸盐可明显提高硫黄、过氧化物硫化EPDM硫化胶的交联密度、拉伸强度、定伸应力和拉断伸长率。在甲基丙烯酸镁/炭黑/EPDM胶料中添加等量S i69改性白炭黑和石蜡油后,硫化胶各项力学性能都有明显提高,定伸应力和硬度保持较低水平,耐热空气老化性能有所改善。     

炭黑对聚丁烯-1热塑性弹性体防水卷材性能的影响

考察了炭黑用量对聚丁烯-1热塑性弹性体防水卷材力学性能以及热氧老化和碱老化后性能的影响。结果表明:随着炭黑用量的增加,材料的拉伸强度、断裂伸长率、定伸应力、硬度等均呈先上升后下降的趋势,当炭黑用量在25～30phr时,材料的强度达到最大值;经过80℃×168h热氧老化后,随着炭黑用量的增加,材料的断裂伸长率保持率呈下降趋势,而材料的拉伸强度保持率呈上升趋势;碱老化后,材料的硬度普遍上升;炭黑的最佳用量为25phr。     

Physico-mechanical properties and automotive fuel resistance of EPDM/ENR blends containing hybrid fillers

This research aimed to investigate the effect of blend ratios on cure characteristics, mechanical and dynamic properties, morphology and automotive fuel resistance of ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blends containing carbon black and calcium carbonate hybrid filler. The composition of EPDM/ENR blends varied were 100/0, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70 and 0/100 %wt/wt. All ingredients used for preparing each blended compound, except for the curatives, were mixed in a kneader. Thereafter, the compound was further mixed with curatives on a two-roll mill and then were vulcanized together with shaped by compression molding before determining cure characteristics, mechanical properties, morphology and weight swelling ratio in three automotive fuels; gasohol-91, diesel and engine oils. The results indicated that Mooney viscosity and cure time of EPDM/ENR blends tended to decrease with increasing ENR content, while cure rate index and crosslink density increased. Tensile strength of all EPDM/ENR blends is lower than that of the individual EPDM and ENR. This is attributed to the incompatibility between nonpolar and polar nature of EPDM and ENR, respectively, supporting by the glass transition temperature form dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and scanning electron micrographs (SEM). Owing to the differences in polarity of automotive fuels and rubbers, weight swelling of EPDM/ENR vulcanizates decreased in diesel and engine oils, but increased in gasohol-91 with increasing in ENR content.     

一字平行同向三螺杆挤出机制备WPP/WPE共混物的性能研究

以废弃餐盒及废弃快递袋为例,使用一字平行同向三螺杆挤出机制备了不同比例的废弃聚丙烯(WPP)、废弃聚乙烯(WPE)共混物.通过力学性能测试、微观形貌表征及热性能分析,对比研究了不同废弃聚烯烃共混物的性能.结果表明:WPE能够提升WPP/WPE共混物的韧性,WPP能够提升WPP/WPE共混物的拉伸强度和弹性模量,WPP的...     

WPP/NWPCB/POE复合材料的制备及其热解特性

以废旧汽车保险杠(WPP)为基体,废弃线路板非金属粉(NWPCB)为填料,通过熔融共混的方法制备了系列WPP/NWPCB复合材料。在此基础上,用乙烯-辛烯共聚物(POE)和马来酸酐接枝聚丙烯(PP-g-MAH)对复合材料进行了协同改性,以增强复合材料的性能。力学性能测试和冲击断面微观形貌分析表明,POE显著提高了WPP/NWPCB复合材料的韧性,当POE用量为15 g·(100 g)^-1时,冲击强度较改性前提高129%;PP-g-MAH能够有效改善复合材料中填料与基体相容性,当添加量为9 g·(100 g)^-1时,复合材料的机械性能达到最佳,冲击强度、弯曲强度和拉伸强度较改性前分别提高7.8%、23.4%和20%。通过热重-红外联用研究了WPP/NWPCB/POE复合材料的热解过程,结果表明,复合材料在热解过程中除产生烷烃、烯烃及CO₂外,还产生了少量的苯酚类芳香族化合物与HBr等有害气体,同时NWPCB填料的添加提高了复合材料中WPP的热稳定性。     

Influence of gamma irradiation on waste poly(propylene) composites containing talc and high crystallinity poly(propylene)

Commercial polyolefin, such as poly(propylene), are widely used because of their easy processing and their excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Although their recycling is well established, the mechanical and thermal properties of the recycled waste poly(propylene)(WPP) are normally lower than those of the virgin material. The introduction of talc can improve the toughness, without compromising the processability and recycling capabilities. However, the thermal properties of these blends should be assessed to limit degradation during recycling. The effect of gamma radiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of WPP/High Crystallinity Poly(propylene)/Talc was studied. TGA, DSC, and electrical conductivity performed the characterization of WPP composites. Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the composites were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of Talc to WPP was found to improve the thermal stability of WPP composites. The compatibilisation of the blends using gamma radiation resulted decrease the weight loss with increasing the temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers