Aging behavior and mechanism of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber in fluorescent UV/condensation weathering environment

Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was exposed to an artificial weathering environment produced by fluorescent UV/condensation weathering device for different time periods. The surface chemical changes were detected by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The plausible aging mechanism of EPDM was proposed. The surface energy was calculated through contact angles of water and formamide measured by optical contact angle measuring device. The thermal stability was evaluated by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that oxygenated species such as C-O-C, C-O and O-C-O groups were formed in fluorescent UV/condensation weathering environment. EPDM aging occurred from EPDM surface and propagated to EPDM inner body. The surface energy of EPDM increased to a maximum at 36 days of aging and then decreased slowly. Fluorescent UV/condensation weathering environment does not affect the thermal stability of EPDM predominantly. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.