Investigation of The Effect of Micronized Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EDPM) Powder Wastes on Physical and Mechanical Properties in EPDM Mixtures

Abstract

In this study, micronized-ethylene-propylene-diene monomer powders (m-EPDM) by the physical crushing method were added to EPDM rubber, and their effects on physical and mechanical properties were examined. Micronized EPDM powders were added at rates of 10-20-30%. EPDM rubber was pulped with micronized EPDM powder using a 1.5-liter laboratory type mini banbury. The obtained paste was vulcanized in the press at 180 °C for 20 min., and test plates were acquired. Rheological and fluidity properties of EPDM rubber with m-EPDM powder added were examined by pre-press rheometer (Moving Die Rheometer_MDR) and Mooney viscosity tests. Tensile and permanent deformation tests were performed to determine mechanical properties density, Shore A hardness tests were performed to determine physical properties and dispersion analysis was performed to distribute the additives in EPDM rubber. As a result of the study, minimum torque (ML) values increased while maximum torque (MH) values decreased depending on the amount of m-EPDM. Mooney viscosity of EPDM/30m-EPDM rubber increased by 40.9%. It was observed that cure rate index (CRI) did not change depending on the amount of m-EPDM. With the addition of 30% m-EPDM, breaking strength decreased by 39.2%, and elongation at break was reduced by 9.87%.