Theoretical and Experimental investigation of PVMQ/ EPDM-g-MA/CR blends: Rheological, Compatibility and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The main problem of uncompatibilize rubbers nano-composites in polymeric matrix are accumulation and agglomeration of graphene oxide. In this study, EPDM-g-MA was used as a compatibilizer for better dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) in the phenyl-vinyl-methyl-polysiloxane/chloroprene rubber (PVMQ/CR) matrix. To achieve this purpose mechanical characterizations, rheology, morphology and curing characterizations of nano-composite was investigated. SEM and TEM were used to assess surface characteristics, morphology and dispersion of EPDM-g-MA in PVMQ/CR nano-composite, which showed the size of EPDM-g-MA in the blends became smaller, denser and more uniform. Also, the results showed that, by increasing the GO nano-platelets in PVMQ/CR matrix during the reaction with EPDM-g-MA, curing properties was improved such a way that optimum curing time and scorch time were decreased and also MH–ML and cure rate index (CRI) were increased and also toughness strength enhanced. In addition, the mechanical properties indicated that tensile strength, fatigue strength, hardness, elongation-at-break and modulus increased by the incorporation with GO nano-platelets.

Influence of APTES Modified HNTs on Properties of NR/EPDM Nanocomposites

“…To improve the dispersion of the rubber blends, compatibilizer is utilised as a compatibilizing agent. A tiny amount of transpolyoctylene rubber (TOR) [15], EPDM grafted with maleic ahydride (EPDM-g-MH) [16][17], complex of resorcinol and hexamethylenetetramine (RH) [18], sorbic acid (SA) [19], ionic liquid (ILs) [20] and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) [21] has been added, according to the literature, and this has improved the mechanical and morphological performance. EPDM-g-MA was used in this work as a compatibilizer.…”