The Effect of a Crosslinking Agent on the Morphology and Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Foams Based on EVA and EPDM

Polymer foams are biphasic materials prepared with a polymer matrix and a gaseous phase from a foaming agent. Products based on this type of material are currently in a good market position due to the good mechanical properties, low density and competitive cost. Blending EVA with elastomers is a feasible alternative to enhance the properties of the expandable compounds. Among the elastomers used as a blend component with EVA, EPDM has a high potential since it has a good compatibility with polyolefins. Considering that during the foam processing there are simultaneous crosslinking reactions and the formation of gases, the balance between these two effects has a strong influence over the physical characteristics of the final product. In this study the effect of a crosslinking agent on EVA/EPDM foams was investigated. The physical, mechanical and rheometric properties, as well as the foam morphology, were analyzed as a function of dicumil peroxide, used as a crosslinking agent. The results showed that this additive has a strong influence in the crooking and expansion of the compounds, affecting their properties.