Curing Characteristics, Morphological, Tensile and Thermal Properties of Bentonite-Filled Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) Composites

Abstract

Abstract Bentonite (Bt) with irregular shape and surface morphology was used as a new type of filler in EPDM. EPDM/Bt composites were prepared using a laboratory size two-roll mill by adding 0 to 70 phr Bt. The effects of Bt loading on curing characteristics, morphology, tensile and thermal properties of EPDM/Bt composite were studied. Scorch and curing time were decreased with 0 to 30 phr loading and increased subsequently at 50 and 70 phr. Tensile strength and elongation at break (Eb) were increased with increasing Bt loading from 0 to 50 phr and decreased at 70 phr, whereas the tensile modulus (M100%) shows an increasing trend with increasing Bt loading. Thermogravimetric analysis shows the enhancements of thermal properties with increasing Bt loading. Morphological studies of tensile fracture surfaces of EPDM/Bt composite proves good interaction between Bt particles and EPDM at 50 phr and formation of Bt agglomerates at 70 phr. Keywords: BentoniteCuring characteristicsEPDMTensile propertiesThermal stability ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author (M. Mathialagan) would like to thank Universiti Sains Malaysia for the financial support under USM fellowship scheme for his MSc study.