EPDM/vinyl triethoxysilane modified phenol formaldehyde resin composite

In the present study, attempts have been made to modify a phenolic resin (PF) with vinyl triethoxysilane (VTES) in order to compatibilize it with EPDM. It was proved by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) that vinyl-silicon group had been successfully introduced to the structure of PF. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure of EPDM/PF composite. Glass transition of PF disappeared and the diameter of PF phase reduced from 44 to 86 μm to approximately 600 nm when modified PF was used. The compatibility mechanism of EPDM and modified PF is also suggested as follows: modified PF was transformed into semi cross-linked particles by condensation reaction in the presence of water and shear force of two-roll mill, and the particles were fully cured and grafted to the network of EPDM during vulcanization, respectively.