Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is blended with nitrile rubber (NBR). The morphology of this blend is improved by the addition of modified EPDM in small amounts. The intrinsic viscosity, permittivity measurements, and scanning electron microscopy revealed improved compatibility of these rubbers. Mechanical properties after thermal aging of the blends containing modified EPDM show positive deviation from the additive rule. Of all EPDM-NBR blend ratios investigated, the 25/75 blend ratio compatibilized with aminated epoxidized EPDM, shows the best mechanical properties, heat resistance, and stability against UV irradiation.
Maleated ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubber (MAH-g-EPDM) was prepared on a two-roll mill and tested as a compatibilizer for EPDM/NBR (butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber) blend. Intrinsic viscosity measurements and scanning electron microscopy revealed that MAH-g-EPDM improved the compatibility and morphology of EPDM/NBR blend. The uncompatibilized blend showed a negative deviation in the mechanical properties after aging, from the straight line of the additive rule. However, the compatibilized blend showed a positive deviation. Also, MAH-g-EPDM improved the co-curing of EPDM and NBR rubbers. The effect of blend ratio on the heat resistance and upon the stability against UV of the elastomer blend is discussed in terms of the mechanical properties.
Carbon black (CB), obtained by incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products, is the most important filler used to improve the properties of various rubber composites. Its production process causes very serious environmental impacts in addition to its dependence on nonrenewable resources. Therefore, the trend has been to use eco‐friendly alternative materials that reduce the pollution associated with the CB production process and at the same time achieve the required mechanical properties of rubber composites. Biochar, a carbon‐rich solid product, could fulfill this role. It can be obtained by pyrolysis of organic matter such as agricultural waste in the absence of air at temperatures of 400–600°C. Herein, biochar was used in different ratios with CB to investigate its effect on the mechanical properties of styrene/butadiene rubber. The chemical composition of biochar and CB was investigated using a scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray fluorescence. In addition, the thermal properties, tensile strength, elongation at break, as well as thermo‐oxidative aging of the prepared rubber were studied. The tensile strength for styrene/butadiene rubber (SBR) composites containing 100% CB was 14.9 MPa, which decreases by adding biochar where it becomes 13.5, 11.2, 9.5, and 6.9 for SBR composites containing 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% biochar, respectively. Furthermore, the vulcanized sample with 25% biochar (E2) shows higher retained tensile strength values than that containing 100% CB (E1) with increasing the aging time.
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