DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILANIZED EPDM/THERMOPLASTIC BLENDS FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

A new terpolymer of vinyloxyaminosilane (VOS) grafted ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) has been synthesized in a Haake Rheocord-90, torque rheometer. Grafting of VOS onto EPDM has been ascertained using FTIR spectra. Vinyloxyaminosilane grafted ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer/polyvinyl chloride (EPDM-gVOS/PVC) and vinyloxyaminosilane grafted ethylene propylene diene terpolymer/linear low density polyethylene (EPDM-g-VOS/LLDPE) blends with different compositions were prepared using a two roll mixing mill. The mechanical and electrical properties of EPDM-g-VOS, EPDM-g-VOS/PVC and EPDM-g-VOS/LLDPE have been studied as per ASTM standards. Incorporation of silane moiety in to EPDM improves dielectric characteristics of EPDM. Further more the blending of silane grafted EPDM with thermoplastics like PVC and LLDPE enhances mechanical and electrical properties according to their nature and concentration and nature of crosslinks developed in their structure during curing. Data of mechanical and dielectric studies indicate that these products could be used as low and medium high voltage cable insulation for better performance than pure EPDM.