Effect of Nanosilica and Crosslinking System on the Mechanical Properties and Swelling Resistance of EPDM/SBR Nanocomposites with and without TESPT

Abstract

The ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/styrene-butadiene rubber (EPDM/SBR)-nanosilica (SiO2) nanocomposite was prepared. The 0–10 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of SiO2 with EPDM/SBR was mixed on a two-roll mill. The effect of nanosilica (0–10 phr), crosslinking system (sulphur, dicumyl peroxide and mixed) and silane coupling agent (bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulphide) on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties, rebound resilience, compression characteristics, abrasion, swelling property and morphological characteristics of the EPDM/SBR-SiO2 nanocomposites was investigated and studied. From the results, it was clear that the mechanical, wear and swelling properties steps-up with increase in the content of nanosilica particles in it. The sulphur cured rubber composite exhibits an overall improved properties as compared with other crosslinking agents such as peroxide and mixed systems. The addition of silane coupling agent (SCA) enhances the properties of the nanocomposites to a greater extent. From the analysis, it was clear that the effect of nanosilica concentration in the rubber composite with SCA was found to be superior compared to nanocomposites without it.