The effect of recycled ethylene propylene diene monomer (r-EPDM) vulcanizate on properties of raw ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)

In this study, the rubber blend of raw Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) and recycled Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (r-EPDM) were prepared by compounding method using two-roll mill. The effect of recycled Ethylene Diene Monomer (r-EPDM) and compatibilizer (EPDM-g-MAH) on the mechanical, ageing, swelling properties and morphology analysis of EPDM/r-EPDM blend were studied. The results obatained showed that the tensile strength, Young’s Modulus and crosslink density increased with the increasing in r-EPDM content in contrast with the elongation at breakin the blends. However, the tensile strength, elongation at break and Young’s Modulus before ageing were higher than after ageing. Meanwhile, the presence of compatibilizer improved the tensile strength, crosslink density, Young’s Modulus and elongation at break of the blends. Morphology were studied via Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) by analysing the tensile fractured surface, the SEM micrographs shows white spots, voids and smooth surface after ageing period. In the contrast, the SEM micrographs show rough surface and matrix tearing line with increasing in R-EPDM due to the high energy required to break the specimen.