Dynamically Vulcanized PP/EPDM Blends: Effects of Different Types of Peroxides on the Properties

Abstract

Abstract Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) or dynamic vulcanizates are thermoplastic elastomers produced by simultaneous mixing and crosslinking of a rubber and a thermoplastic. The effects of different types of peroxides as curing agents on the properties of PP/EPDM TPVs were investigated at a fixed blend ratio. The mechanical properties change significantly with the chemical nature of the peroxides, the extent of crosslinking of EPDM and the extent of degradation of PP. Three main parameters have been identified governing the final mechanical properties of TPVs: the solubility parameter of a peroxide relative to the substrates PP and EPDM, the fragmentation mechanism of the peroxide and the kinetic aspects of the peroxide fragmentation. Dicumyl peroxide gives the best balance of all properties, it complies the best of all with these parameters.