Performance of bio-ethylene propylene diene monomer (bio-EPDM) foam with mixed chemical and encapsulated blowing agents

Joeng Seon Sang,Kyung Wha Oh,Soonjee Park,Eun-Young Park,Sung-Wook Lim

doi:10.1186/s40691-019-0178-0

Joeng Seon Sang, Kyung Wha Oh + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-019-0178-0

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Abstract

Bio-EPDM, produced from sugarcane-derived ethylene, is an eco-friendly alternative material that can solve environmental pollution problems while showing performances similar to neoprene, a petroleum-based synthetic rubber. In this study, the optimum foaming conditions were determined for maximizing the properties of bio-EPDM foam for application in highly functional environment-friendly diving wetsuits. The bio-EPDM foam was prepared by mixing chemical and encapsulated blowing agents in different mixing ratios, and the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and salt-water resistance of the bio-EPDM foam were evaluated. The mechanical and elastic properties of the bio-EPDM foam decreased with increasing amount of encapsulated blowing agents, whereas the thermal stability and salt-water resistance remarkably improved with increasing mixing ratio of the encapsulated blowing agent. The mechanical properties and salt-water resistance of the bio-EPDM foam prepared using the mixed blowing agents were better than those of the foam prepared using a single blowing agent. At a mixing ratio of 2.5:2.5, a foam with excellent dimensional stability was achieved without a significant reduction in mechanical properties. In addition, the physical and mechanical properties of the bio-EPDM foams were not significantly affected by the curing system; however, the dimensional stability of the foam cured with the peroxide system was superior to that of the foam cured with sulfur system. Therefore, a proper control of the mixing ratio of chemical and encapsulated blowing agents can produce foams with optimal mechanical properties and salt-water resistance for application in watersport apparels.

Highlights

Interest in sports and leisure activities has increased due to an improvement in the income level and greater need for leisure life
In this study, we investigated the changes in mechanical properties, thermal stability, and the saltwater resistance of a bio-EPDM foam depending on the mixing ratio of blowing agents
When the encapsulated blowing agent alone is used, the volume change is approximately 80% lower than that with the Conclusion Bio-EPDM foam was prepared by mixing chemical blowing agents and encapsulated blowing agents at different mixing ratios, their mechanical properties, thermal stability, and salt-water resistance were compared

Summary

Introduction

Interest in sports and leisure activities has increased due to an improvement in the income level and greater need for leisure life. Studies on eco-friendly elastomers such as bio-based polyurethane and chlorine-free synthetic rubber are being actively conducted. Studies on polyurethane elastomers include studies on compatibility of bio-based and biodegradable polymer blends (Imer and Pukanszky 2013), improvement in the mechanical and thermal properties of bio-based polyurethane and its composites for expansion of various applications (Lee et al 2018; Sebastian et al 2018; Kuranska et al 2016; Gama et al 2015), and performance enhancement of bio-based polyurethane foam using nanoclay additives (Pauzi et al 2014). There has been a wide range of studies on the synthesis and composites of bio-based polyurethane, such as the compatibility of bio-based polyol and conventional petroleum-based polyol for polyurethane production (Zhang and Kessler 2015; Park and Kim 2014) and the synthesis of bio-based polyurethane foam with organic materials (Li et al 2018)

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