Studies on Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber and Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends: The Effect of Maleation

Abstract

Blends of maleated ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) have been studied to understand the effect of the maleation level of EPDM on the compatibility and morphology of the blends. Blends with different maleation levels on EPDM (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 wt%) were compared for mechanical, thermal, and other properties. The appearance of single T _g for 0.5% and 0.75% confirms that a maleation level of more than 0.5 wt% is required for EPDM blends with TPU. However, best mechanical properties are obtained for 0.5% maleated EPDM and TPU blends. Aging, filler reinforcement, and weather resistance measurements were also studied for the blends of varying maleation levels.

Keywords:

• Compatability of blends
• Maleated EPDM
• Polymer blends and alloys
• Thermoplastic polyurethanes
• Weather resistance

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors express sincere thanks to the Director of CLRI for granting permission to conduct this research work. We thank all suppliers of raw materials used in the study. We also thank Management of Brakes India Ltd. for the support extended for this research work.