Rubber made of ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, is extensively utilized in many different industries because of its superior thermal stability, chemical compatibility, and weather resilience. The mechanical qualities of EPDM can be further improved by grafting maleic anhydride on it. The objective of this paper is to present a thorough analysis of the benefits that result from grafting maleic anhydride onto EPDM, with a particular emphasis on the enhancement of mechanical qualities.
EPDM rubber is mostly utilized as the basis material in nylon modification. High aging resistance, fatigue resistance, and elastic modulus of glue.Using melt intercalation in a torque rheometer, a maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) compatibilizer (EPDM-g-MAH) was created. Investigations were conducted on the compatibilizer’s impact on the varied properties of nitrile rubber and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (NBR/EPDM) mixed at varying ratios. The results indicate that the performance gain of the combined rubber is negligible at an 8:2 compound ratio when 10 parts of compatibilizer are employed, and that the dispersion issue of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) must be resolved when it is utilized; Six is the compound ratio. The combined rubber with a 7:3 ratio exhibits marginally lower vulcanization, oil resistance, and compression set performance; nevertheless, the rubber’s dispersion is not affected. Significant improvements have been made to the mechanical qualities, ozone resistance, and resistance to heat and oxygen aging.
Improved Tensile Strength and Elongation at Break: When compared to unmodified EPDM, EPDM grafted with maleic anhydride shows better tensile strength and elongation at break. Better load transmission and deformation resistance are the outcomes of the grafting process, which increases the interfacial adhesion between the polymer chains.
Enhanced Tear Resistance: The EPDM matrix’s tear resistance is increased by the addition of maleic anhydride. By strengthening intermolecular cross-linking, the grafting modification creates a denser network structure that reduces the rate of crack propagation and increases the material’s resistance to ripping pressures.
Increased Flexibility and Low-Temperature Performance: Maleic anhydride grafting EPDM enhances the material’s flexibility and low-temperature performance. Because polar functional groups were added, the improved EPDM’s glass transition temperature (Tg) was lowered, preserving its flexibility and elastomeric qualities at lower temperatures.
Enhanced Abrasion Resistance: Maleic anhydride grafted EPDM exhibits better abrasion resistance. The polymer matrix’s intermolecular connections are improved by the grafting modification, creating a more compact structure that is resistant to frictional forces and surface wear.
Impact Resistance and Resilience: Maleic anhydride is grafted onto EPDM to increase its resilience and impact resistance. Because the modified EPDM has a greater capacity to absorb and release energy upon impact, it can be used in applications where impact resistance is necessary, including industrial gaskets and automobile components.
Compatibility with Fillers and Reinforcements: Maleic anhydride grafted EPDM exhibits better compatibility with reinforcements and fillers. The functional groups of maleic anhydride facilitate greater dispersion and contact with reinforcing agents, including silica or carbon black, which improves overall mechanical performance and enhances the reinforcement effects.
Retained Chemical Compatibility and Weather Resistance: Maleic anhydride grafted EPDM maintains its exceptional chemical compatibility and weather resistance even after the grafting process. The intrinsic qualities of EPDM are largely unaffected by the grafting process, enabling it to continue to withstand UV rays, ozone, and other chemicals.
In summary, the mechanical properties of EPDM grafted with maleic anhydride present a number of benefits. Tensile strength, flexibility, tear resistance, low-temperature performance, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and compatibility with fillers and reinforcements are all improved by the grafting modification. Because of these enhancements, EPDM grafted with maleic anhydride is now a very sought-after material for a variety of applications, such as those in the construction, automotive, and industrial sectors where improved mechanical performance is essential.
