Tensile,thermal, flammability and morphological properties of sepiolite filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM) rubber composites

The effect of sepiolite loading content on the curing characteristics, tensile mechanical, thermal, swelling, flammability and morphological properties of sepiolite-filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites was investigated. The composites were prepared with sepiolite loadings of 0–70 part per hundred (phr) of rubber using a two-roll mill. The results highlighted the improvement in the tensile properties and cross-link density values peaked at 60 phr of sepiolite loading. The scorch time, curing time, swelling percentage, and linear burning rate of the composites decreased with an increase in sepiolite loading. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an increasing trend with increase in sepiolite loading. The temperatures corresponding to 5, 25 and 50% weight loss (T_5wt%, T_25wt% and T_50wt%) and the percentage of char residue gradually increased with increase in sepiolite loading. The homogenous dispersion of the sepiolite particles in the EPDM matrix and the formation of zigzag structures, especially at 60 phr, were the main reasons of the improvement of mechanical properties which were confirmed by the morphological studies. The formation of a protective layer, which acted as a barrier against heat transfer into the deeper layers, enhanced the flammability resistance of the composites. Notably, the EPDM filled with 60 phr sepiolite exhibited excellent performance in the aspects of mechanical, thermal stability and flammability properties and resistance towards swelling.