Initial Development of Structure—Property Relationships for Dynamically Vulcanized EPDM/IPP Elastomers

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical behavior and morphology of dynamically vulcanized blends of ethylene—propylene—diene monomer and isotactic polypropylene are investigated. The composition of the thermoplastic elastomers dictates their morphology, which in turn controls their mechanical behavior. Six compositions are examined under quasi-static and dynamic mechanical loading conditions. Although these elastomers are processable thermoplastics, they all exhibit a Payne effect much like traditional crosslinked materials. However, the mechanisms responsible for this behavior are different than those of crosslinked systems. The “Payne effect” response is studied and characterized over a range of compositions, and the results are discussed in light of the elastomer morphologies.