| Abstract: | 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 |
