Cure Characteristics and Physical Properties of SMR L/ EPDM Blends: Effects of Blend Ratios

Abstract

The effects of different blend ratios of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMRL)/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) blend with different ratios on the cure characteristics (cure time, scorch time, minimum and maximum torque) and physical properties (swelling test, crosslink density and hardness test) were studied. The blends of (SMR L)/(EPDM) (100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 30/70, 20/80, 10/90 and 0/100 phr) were prepared by using laboratory two-roll mill. The result showed that the ratio 80/20 showed the best properties compared to the other blend ratios. The blend at this ratio exhibited less scorch time, cure time and swelling percentage, and showed highest crosslink density.