The physico-mechanical properties of γ-irradiated ethylene propylene diene rubber/high styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites

The mechanical properties of gamma-irradiated ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/high styrene-butadiene rubber (HSBR) blends were investigated with special reference to the effects of blend ratio. Among the blends, the one with 80/20 EPDM/HSBR has been found to exhibit the highest tensile, hardness, thermal, and abrasion properties. The effect of gamma-irradiation dose on the mechanical properties namely tensile strength and elongation at break was investigated. The effect of silane coupling agent on the mentioned properties of the EPDM/HSBR blend was studied. The results showed that the mechanical and the thermal properties of the gamma-irradiated EPDM/HSBR blend improved with the addition of the silane coupling agent due to the increase in the cross-linking density. The inclusion of both the 30 phr fumed silica and N,N-m-phenylenedimaleimide coagent in the 80/20 EPDM/HSBR nanocomposite irradiated to 150 kGy leads to a synergistic effect. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to analyze the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties have been interpreted in terms of the morphology of the blends as attested by scanning electron microscope.

Automated summary

The effects of gamma-irradiation on the mechanical properties of EPDM/HSBR blends were studied. The blend with 80/20 EPDM/HSBR exhibited the best mechanical properties. The addition of silane coupling agent improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the gamma-irradiated EPDM/HSBR blend. Synergistic effects were observed by incorporating fumed silica and a coagent in the 80/20 EPDM/HSBR nanocomposite irradiated to 150 kGy. The morphology of the blends was analyzed using scanning electron microscope to interpret the mechanical properties.