Abstract
In this study, devulcanised ground fluoroelastomer (FKM) ultrafine powder with the sol fraction of 19·8% and the average particle size of ∼1 μm or less was successfully prepared by solid state mechanochemical milling at ambient temperature. This reclaimed FKM can be used as a low cost but effective functional additive for enhancing the thermal aging performance and oil resistance of acrylic rubber (ACM) vulcanisates. The mechanical properties of the ACM–ground FKM blends were significantly improved through the mechanochemical pretreatment of FKM. The ACM–devulcanised FKM blends showed similar curing behaviours and enhanced mechanical properties as compared to pure ACM compound. As devulcanised FKM content increased, the tensile strength of thermal aged (150°C×72 h) ACM vulcanisates increased from 3·9 to 6·4 MPa, by ∼65%; while elongation at break increased from 42·8 to 106·1%, by ∼1·5 times. The ACM–devulcanised FKM blends also exhibited better oil resistance than pure ACM. Dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the well miscibility and superior dispersion of devulcanised FKM in ACM matrix.
Published Version
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