Mechanical properties of thermoplastic Elastomers based on silicone rubber and an ethylene-octene copolymer by dynamic vulcanization

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are a special class of thermoplastic elastomers that are generally produced by the simultaneous mixing and crosslinking of a rubber with a thermoplastic polymer at an elevated temperature. Novel peroxide-cured TPVs based on blends of silicone rubber and the thermoplastic Engage (an ethyleneoctene copolymer) have been developed. These TPVs exhibit very good overall mechanical and electrical properties. With an increasing concentration of dicumyl peroxide, the tensile strength, modulus, and hardness of the TPVs increase, whereas the elongation at break decreases. Significant correlations have been obtained from oscillating disc rheometer torque values with various physical properties, such as the modulus and tension set of the TPVs. The aging characteristics and recyclability of the silicone-based TPVs are also excellent. Scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs of the TPVs have confirmed a dispersed phase morphology. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 108: 1079-1085, 2008.