Role of polymer‐filler interaction on Mg(OH)₂ and alumina trihydrate‐loaded ethylene propylene diene monomer based polymer composite for high voltage insulation application

Abstract

Use of polymer composite as a high voltage insulator material is currently under investigation for its commercial application, longer durability, and cost effectiveness. This work probes the effect of polymer-filler interaction on mechanical, morphological, thermal and dielectric properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based polymer composite. EPDM composites were successfully prepared using two roll-mill and vulcanized in a hot press compression mold. Surface morphology indicates uniform dispersion of filler at lower filler loading, whereas at higher loading cluster/agglomeration was observed. 30 phr magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 ) loaded sample showed the highest static contact angle of 102.3 . Mg(OH) 2 based samples show higher tensile strength because of strong interfacial interaction between filler and polymer. In addition, alumina trihydrate (ATH) and Mg(OH) 2 based composite exhibit high thermal stability with initial thermal degradation temperature of ~200 and ~320 C, respectively. FTIR spectrum reveals the formation of strong -OH bonds between Mg(OH) 2 and polymer molecules. A maximum enhancement in dielectric breakdown strength of ~50% and ~30% were recorded for 60 phr ATH and 30 phr Mg(OH) 2 loaded EPDM composites respectively. Finally, the results indicate a strong possibility of developing EPDM based polymer composites as an efficient high voltage insulator.

Foam stability and thermo-mechanical properties of micro/nano filler loaded castor oil based flexible polyurethane foam

“…The dispersion state of both micro filler and nanofiller within the polymer matrix is the major reason for the enhancement of mechanical properties. Tensile property is majorly related to the surface interaction of the polymer with filler upto a certain %loading, whereas, the distribution of filler majorly affects the elongation properties till the particles are not highly agglomerated in the polymer matrix [41]. Figure 7 shows the tensile stress-strain plot for the synthesized PU foam samples.…”

Mechanically Robust, Recyclable, and Highly Thermally Conductive Ethylene–Propylene–Diene Monomer/Boron Nitride Composite Enabled by Multiple Interfacial Cross-Linking Networks

“…Aimed at improving the mechanical properties of EPDM, CB, silica, CNTs, graphene, etc., have often been used as reinforcing fillers to endow EPDM rubber with excellent tensile strength, aging resistance, and fracture toughness. − These reinforcing fillers are mostly derived from petroleum, and interfacial interaction with the EPDM matrix is usually poor, resulting in a coarse phase structure and significant constraints in the high performance of EPDM composites . Rizwan et al , prepared EPDM micro/hybrid composites loaded with Mg­(OH) 2 , TiO 2 , and alumina trihydrate, and the effect of EPDM–filler interaction on the mechanical, morphological, thermal, and dielectric properties was studied. In addition, the accelerated aging of the composites and the degradation mechanism under various conditions were explored.…”

Preparation of magnesium hydroxide by modifier-directed hydration and its effect on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polypropylene

“…With the advancement of the modern polymer materials industry, plastics, synthetic rubber, and synthetic fibers have been increasingly used in various fields such as architecture, electrical and electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing (Mensah et al 2022;Mohammed et al 2022;Muiruri et al 2023). However, due to their chemical composition and structure, these materials are primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms, making them highly flammable.…”