Thermal analysis applied to studying the influence of ionic liquids on the vulcanization, thermal stability and damping properties of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber

Abstract

The main aspect of the research was developing new systems for activating sulfur vulcanization of ethylene-propylenediene elastomer (EPDM) with greater activity than the micrometer zinc oxide that is traditionally used. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to study the temperature and enthalpy of EPDM vulcanization. The range of vulcanization temperatures and the enthalpy of this process were determined. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to characterize the effect of ILs on the thermal stability of vulcanizates. Dynamic mechanical analysis with tension deformation was used to study the influence of ILs on the loss factor (tan d) of EPDM determined as a function of temperature, which is a measure of the ability of the material to dampen vibration. DSC results indicated that ILs significantly reduced the onset temperature and enthalpy of EPDM vulcanization. The most active were alkylimidazolium chlorides, which eliminated the post-curing process. Owing to lower decomposition temperature compared to EPDM, ILs decreased the thermal stability of vulcanizates. On the other hand, ILs had no significant influence on damping properties of EPDM in the rubbery elastic region. Vulcanizates containing ILs exhibited stable dynamic properties at the temperatures of use.

CR composites with improved processing safety crosslinked via Heck's reaction

“…The influence of the tested additives on the vulcanization process of CR was also studied using the DSC analysis. This method is commonly used to investigate the curing process of polymers 15,[33][34][35] and allows for the determination of the temperature and the enthalpy of vulcanization. The results are given in Table 5.…”

“…9,13,14 On the other hand, ZnO is classified as an ecotoxic to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effect in the aquatic environment. 8,13,15 Hence, Environmental EU legislation requires to reduce the use of ZnO and Zn-containing compounds in rubber products. 8,15,16 Because of these disadvantages, it is crucial to develop new, more environmentally friendly method for curing CR, that does not involve the application of harmful additives and remains with good balance with costs and properties of the final product.…”

“…However, application of this curing system should be limited because ETU is considered as being carcinogenic 9,13,14 . On the other hand, ZnO is classified as an ecotoxic to aquatic organisms and may cause long‐term adverse effect in the aquatic environment 8,13,15 . Hence, Environmental EU legislation requires to reduce the use of ZnO and Zn‐containing compounds in rubber products 8,15,16 .…”

Thermal analysis of halogenated rubber cured with a new cross-linking system

“…The influence of the proposed new curing system on the vulcanization process of BIIR was also studied using the DSC analysis, which allowed for the determination of the temperature and the enthalpy of vulcanization. This method is commonly used to investigate the curing process of polymers [21][22][23][24]. The results are given in Table 3.…”

Manganese and Nickel Acetylacetonates as Curatives for Chloroprene Rubber Based on Heck’s Reaction

“…The precaution recommended in European Union Regulation is to avoid release to the environment. Hence, environmental EU legislation requires to decrease the use of ZnO and Zn-containing compounds in rubber products [ 19 , 20 ]. The increased emphasis on environment protection gives rise to a demand for products that entail the least impact on environmental pollution [ 19 ].…”