Effect of vulcanization technique on the physical properties of silica‐filled EPDM rubber

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The present study aims to enhance EPDM rubber-silica interaction by employing a special technique called Two-Stage Vulcanization, with the help of a multifunctional rubber additive, bis diisopropyl thiophosphoryl disulfide (DIPDIS). In this process EPDM rubber was heated along with rubber additives up to the time just before the commencement of cure and then filler was incorporated to the preheated rubber to get the final mix. The efficiency of this novel technique is evaluated by the enhancement of physical properties of the silica-filled vulcanizates. This novel technique is also employed to investigate the effect of a silane-coupling agent, viz., bis (3-triethoxy silyl propyl) tetrasulphide (TESPT), in addition to DIPDIS, on the rubberfiller interaction. The positive role of this technique in enhancing the rubber-filler interaction is evidenced by the dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

Effect of Vulcanization Ingredients on the Intercalation‐Exfoliation Process of Layered Silicate in an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Matrix

“…The ZDP contains active alkyloxy (–OR) groups attached with fifth valent phosphorus atom (Scheme ). This –OR group can interact with the silanol groups of silica to form an Si‐O‐P linkage 11–12. On the other hand, it is an established fact that the thiophosphoryl additive can form a pendant accelerator moiety on the NBR rubber backbone 15.…”

“…This coupling agent has two types of chemical groups: one interacts with the hydroxyl groups of silicate, while the other is responsible for the attachment with the rubber matrix. Dithiophosphate11–13 is also a type of multifunctional rubber additive that can act similar like a silane‐coupling agent like TESPT [ bis (3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane] and also it can act as a rubber‐vulcanizing accelerator like ZDMC.…”

Optimization and effect of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane content on the properties of bentonite‐filled ethylene propylene diene monomer composites

“…Carbon black (CB) had been top ranked and extensively used as reinforcing filler to enhance the mechanical properties of numerous rubber compounds. However, recent debates on the pollution issue, high cost, dark color, and health awareness due to CB usage have aroused a significant amount of interest in the developments of other types of reinforcing materials such as silica, calcium carbonate, and clay minerals [2–9].…”

Modification of the structure of EPDM by chemically grafting inorganic species

“…This is due to its remarkable ability to accept high loading of fillers and its strong resistance to oxygen, ozone, UV and heat [1,2]. However, its thermal properties, mechanical properties, moisture absorption and other characteristics minimize its role in polymer industry.…”