Synergistic Effect of Expanded Graphite/Carbon Black on the Physical and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer

Abstract

The present research work explored the effect of expanded graphite (EG) and modified EG (MEG) with and without carbon black (CB) on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal etc. properties of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). EG-and MEG-filled EPDM nanocomposites were fabricated in the presence and absence of CB by direct mixing on an open two roll mill. The microstructure of the EPDM-based nanocomposites was investigated by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) analyses. EG- and MEG-loaded EPDM nanocomposites in the presence and absence of CB exhibited improved mechanical, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal stability.