Investigation of novel polyanilines as new antioxidants for ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber composites

Oxidative aging is a significant deterioration process that affects the performance and durability of rubber materials in various applications. Therefore, this study focuses on the development of new antioxidants-based on polyaniline for ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to enhance its resistance to oxidative aging. The novel polyanilines were prepared using in situ polymerization method and characterized using Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR illustrates the success synthesis of polyanilines as it shows their characteristic functional groups. The thermal stability of the formed polyanilines is discussed through TGA and derivative of thermogravimetry (DTG) curves. The curves prove the good thermal stability of the synthesized polymers. The prepared polyaniline compounds were mixed to carbon black filled-EPDM rubber composites using a roll mill and then vulcanized using sulfur curing process. Accelerated aging tests for the prepared EPDM rubber composites were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the antioxidants. Moreover, their impact on rheometer, mechanical, and swelling properties was studied. The results showed that the EPDM samples with the prepared polyaniline compounds exhibited improved oxidative properties compared to the EPDM sample with commercial antioxidant 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline. These findings suggest that the novel antioxidants have the potential to enhance the durability and performance of EPDM rubber in various applications.