Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Matrix Research Articles

Nano-hydroxyapatite filled EPDM nanocomposite: towards green elastomeric thermal insulating coating with superior mechanical, thermal, and ablation properties

ABSTRACT Heat-shielding composite materials containing asbestos has been used for thermal insulation of aerospace rocket motors. However, asbestos has carcinogenic effects on both human and environment. This study was directed to the development of novel elastomeric nanocomposite thermal-shielding coating (asbestos-free); the developed elastomeric nanocomposite was based on hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) in an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) matrix. HA is a bio-ceramic material with 18.5 wt % phosphorus; HA can act as nano phosphorus-based fire extinguisher. HA NPs were synthesized by continuous hydrothermal technique; high crystalline HA nanoplates of 350 nm length, and 100 nm width were successfully developed. HA NPs were integrated into EPDM matrix; uniform dispersion of HA particles was verified via EDAX analysis. The impact of HA NPs on EPDM tensile strength, elongation-at-break, hardness, density, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermal conductivity test, and ablation test was assessed to asbestos fibers. HA/EPDM secured superior mechanical properties compared with Asbestos/EPDM; HA NPs secured an increase the tensile strength, elongation at break by 16.2% and 105.3% respectively. HA with surface hydroxyl groups could be integrated into EPDM matrix via chemical bonding. HA offered novel thermal shielding properties; HA secured a decrease in thermal conductivity coefficient by −21.1%; and the best ablation resistance was increased by + 31.5%. Residual weight was increased by 13%, compared with asbestos fibers.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CELLULOSE FIBRE FROM PENNISETUM POLYSTACHION ANDITS APPLICATION IN BIOCOMPOSITES WITH ETHYLENE PROPYLENE DIENE MONOMER RUBBER

This article explores an easy and economically viable route for cellulose fibre isolation from the stem of Pennisetum polystachion and its utility as reinforcement filler in the polymer matrix for the development of biocomposites. The cellulose fibre was isolated by alkali treatment, followed by chlorine free bleaching using hydrogen peroxide. The SEM and FTIR analyses revealed removal of hemicelluloses and lignin. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed increased crystallinity and the TGA and DTG curves indicated greater thermal stability of the isolated fibre compared to the raw fibre. The cellulose fibre was used as reinforcement in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to prepare biocomposites. The cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The maximum torque and the mechanical properties varied by the addition of the filler in the matrix. The SEM images of the composites showed good adhesion of the cellulose fiber in the EPDM matrix. The biodegradability of the composites was confirmed by the soil burial test. The test revealed that the percentage degradation in tensile strength increased with filler loading, indicating that the composites are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

Study the effect of different fillers on the performance of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐based thermal shielding materials

AbstractPolymeric composites are becoming increasingly popular materials due to their wide range of uses in heat shielding materials for solid rocket motors and aerospace applications. Novel polymeric composites are prepared and evaluated containing chopped carbon fibers, glass fibers (GF), and basalt fibers (BF), besides, recently used fillers such as Kevlar fibers (KF), and fumed silica (FS) to study their effects on the mechanical, thermal, and ablative properties of the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) hybrid composite. Mechanical, chemical, thermal, and ablative tests are performed to show the performance of the prepared polymeric composites. Experimental investigations have shown that the addition of GF to the EPDM matrix has a great influence on raising the tensile strength to 6.570 MPa. By incorporating KFs into EPDM, a solid char layer is formed during ablation, resulting in the best ablative performance with a decrease in the ablation rate of 73%, while the addition of FS, and BF to EPDM gives the best thermal stability results with total weight loss of 80.34%, and 81.77%, respectively.

Nanoarchitectonics of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites reinforced with Cu–Al–Zn-alloy for ultrasonic array transducers’ fabrication

In response to the continuous demand for industry progress and the need for low-cost alternative materials that have superior properties than the present ones, a new coupling agent was used to treat composites, which were used as new backing materials in ultrasonic array transducers. In array transducers, back-echo reverberation to the piezoelectric elements occurs, so backing materials are critical in reducing these echoes. The Cu–Al–Zn-alloy was treated with a coupling agent before being incorporated into ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites. Cu–Al–Zn-alloy/EPDM composites were assessed using rheometric, mechanical, and morphological properties. The division of cu-alloy at the EPDM matrix was visualized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). TGA and DSC techniques were used to study the thermal characterization of the EPDM composites. As a result, the treated Cu-alloy improved the thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of EPDM composites. Ultrasonic measurements ensured the composites' effectiveness as backing materials in ultrasonic array transducers. Furthermore, the composites’ properties were similar to those of the most commonly used epoxy/tungsten backing material. Finally, linear ultrasonic-phased array transducers were fabricated using Cu–Al–Zn-alloy/EPDM composites. They had a low signal-to-noise ratio, and this ensured the effectiveness of Cu–Al–Zn-alloy/EPDM composites as backing materials.

Shape memory behavior of novel Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)/paraffin foams

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber foams are widely employed for thermal and acoustic insulation in building construction. However, their installation in confined spaces is often complicated, and the capability of EPDM foams to exhibit shape memory behavior could be a desirable property. In the literature, several works have demonstrated that blending elastomeric matrices with paraffin, a well-known Phase Change Material (PCM), could be an interesting method to obtain shape memory polymers with a tunable switching temperature. In this work, EPDM foams filled with paraffin wax, having a melting temperature of 70°C, were produced and characterized from a microstructural and thermo-mechanical point of view. By melt compounding and hot pressing, samples were produced, and the PCM content in the foams was varied between 0 and 60 wt% (with respect to the EPDM matrix). The results of the shape memory tests evidenced the crucial role played by the PCM in providing excellent shape fixability for the expanded rubber. Even a limited amount of paraffin (i.e., 20 wt%) was able to raise the strain fixity parameter to a value higher than 80%, and it reached 100% when the paraffin content was increased to 60 wt%. On the other hand, an increased PCM fraction caused a slower recovery process. Consequently, a compromise between a fast recovery and optimum shape fixability should be accepted. These results are promising for the development of novel thermal and acoustic EPDM insulating foams easier to be installed.

The effect of MWCNTs on the properties of peroxide vulcanized ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated in EPDM matrix in an internal mixer. Characterization of the prepared MWCNTs/EPDM composites using RAMAN spectroscopy reveals a minor deterioration of the CNTs’ structure, in terms of intensities ratio of D and G bands (ID/IG ratio), probably due to the intensive mixing conditions of internal mixer. The thermal stability of MWCNTs/EPDM composites was improved, as it was observed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, whereas the glass transition temperature (Tg) remained almost unaffected. In addition, MWCNTs/EPDM composites showed significant improvement in their modulus of elasticity and a decrease in swelling after immersion in benzene, in comparison with the pristine elastomer. The study of dielectric properties for MWCNT’s/EPDM nanocomposites determined the percolation threshold between 2 and 3 phr MWCNTs content. Enhancement in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of MWCNTs/EPDM composites was also recorded by the increase of filler content in the elastomeric matrix, with the reflectance being the main shielding mechanism. A slight increase in thermal diffusivity and conductivity was observed at EPDM composites with low MWCNTs content (1–5 phr) which became more significant at higher loads (8 & 10 phr).

Thermal stability of gamma irradiated ethylene propylene diene monomer composites for shielding applications

AbstractThe effect of gamma‐irradiation on the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based composites, loaded with tungsten and barium sulfate were investigated for radiation resistance properties. The tungsten and barium sulfate fillers were added in different proportion (wt%) to EPDM matrix and prepared using compression molding technique. The developed EPDM composites were exposed to 60Co gamma radiation doses from 0 to 400 kGy. The swelling index of the composites were studied for the irradiated samples and found to decrease with higher gamma doses. Tensile characterization was also carried out and elongation at break, tensile strength and modulus at 100% elongation have been determined for gamma irradiated EPDM based composites. Tensile properties were modified in the irradiated samples and elongation at break is decreased whereas the modulus increases as a function of gamma dose due to increases in crosslinking after irradiation. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed and observed improvement in thermal stability of gamma irradiated EPDM composites.

Influence of graphite nano powder on ethylene propylene diene monomer/paraffin wax phase change material composite: Shape stability and thermal applications

In present research, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) impregnation in liquid paraffin wax (PW) phase change material (PCM) has been accomplished for PCM shape stabilization which is of great importance in various thermal energy storage applications. Otherwise stated, EPDM rubber was mixed with specific amount of Benzoyl peroxide as a crosslink agent using two-roll mill along with hot press at 160 °C for 15 min and subsequently graphite nano powder was added to enhance extremely low PCM thermal conductivity. Afterwards, fabricated EPDM/Graphite composites have been impregnated in melted PW PCM at 120 °C for 24 h. Findings have demonstrated that, by graphite percentage increment, EPDM cross-links amount has been declined and as a consequence, swelling rate along with PW PCM content has been increased. As expected, 20 wt% graphite addition to EPDM matrix has led to thermal conductivity increment by 120 %. In addition, for all EPDM/Graphite/PW PCM composite systems, leakage amount was <1 % which is desirable for thermal energy storage applications. Furthermore, according to swelling and leakage findings, EPDM/Graphite/PW PCM composite which contains 72.5 wt% PW (EWG24), was selected as an adequate system and thermal analysis results have shown that EWG24 had highest phase change enthalpy with suitable thermal efficiency improvement (45 %). Finally, Time-Temperature history analysis has depicted that EWG24 optimum system had 28 % further heat storage compared to its corresponding EG24 composite. Ultimately, performance time has been improved by 60 % compared to graphite-free PCM system, which makes EPDM/PW PCM/Graphite composite an adequate candidate for various thermal storage applications.

Tuning the Ablation, Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics of Phenolic Resin Reinforced EPDM Ultra-High Temperature Insulation

The present research reports the influences of variant phenolic resin concentrations on the thermo-mechanical and ablation characteristics of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomer. Backface temperature acclivity (BTA), charring rates, and insulation indexes were executed for the fabricated composite specimens. It was noticed that BTA was enhanced while linear/radial/mass ablation rates were significantly diminished with increasing concentration of phenolic resin (PR) in base matrix (elastomeric polymer). The composite (30wt%PR/EPDM) has 25% high thermal endurance compared to virgin EPDM composite. Thermal conductivity was increased with increasing PR to EPDM ratio. PR incorporation has remarkably enhanced the ultimate tensile strength of the EPDM elastomer. An efficient improvement in elastomeric hardness was also observed with increasing PR contents in EPDM matrix. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results showed the porosity generation and polymer melting during ablation.

Influence of composite structure design on the ablation performance of ethylene propylene diene monomer composites

Abstract By introducing functional fillers into the ethylene propylene diene monomer matrix, the anti-ablation, thermal insulation, and adhesive layer were prepared, respectively. We have studied the mechanical properties, ablation properties, thermal insulation properties, and bonding properties of different composite structures after design and analyzed the ceramic mechanism. The results showed that the content of ceramic fillers improved the thermal stability and ablation properties of anti-ablation layer composites. The formation of liquid structure can fill the hole defects and ablation pit. The foaming agent improved thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation layer, and the strength of the bonding layer has been greatly improved. The design of the composite structure can not only reduce the density but also have an excellent thermal insulation effect. And as the thickness of the heat insulation layer increases, the heat blocking effect becomes more excellent.

Evaluation of the role of devulcanized rubber on the thermomechanical properties of expanded ethylene‐propylene diene monomers composites

AbstractVarious amounts of both devulcanized (DR) and non‐devulcanized (NDR) recycled rubber were melt compounded with a virgin ethylene‐propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The resulting compounds were then expanded by using azodicarbonamide. The role played by the presence of DR or NDR on the thermomechanical properties of the obtained materials was evaluated. Electron scanning microscope micrographs highlighted that DR particles were better encapsulated within the EPDM matrix with respect to the corresponding NDR ones. Moreover, a better interfacial adhesion was observed with DR, probably due the re‐vulcanization process in which the free crosslinking sites that typically characterize DR could form linkages with the EPDM matrix. Tensile impact behavior of expanded EPDM/recycled rubber blends highlighted a strong improvement of the normalized total absorbed energy, of the normalized impact strength and of the elongation at break with respect to the neat expanded EPDM for all the investigated compositions, and especially with a DR content of 20 wt%. The preparation of expanded EPDM containing considerable amounts of devulcanized rubber was, therefore, demonstrated to be a practical route to reduce the costs and improve the properties and the environmental sustainability of rubber products.

Thermal insulation behaviour of Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/kevlar fiber based hybrid composites containing Nanosilica for solid rocket motor insulation

AbstractThe current research discusses the properties of an elastomeric heat‐shielding material, based on nano‐silica (NS) filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber/Kevlar fiber (KF) hybrid composites. The developed elastomeric insulating material consists of an aromatic polyamide fiber (KF) and silica nanoparticles. An in‐depth analysis of mechanical properties, density, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis, and heat release rate of the insulating materials ‐was performed. TEM micrograph represents an excellent distribution of nanoparticles in the EPDM matrix. The improvement in the mechanical and the flame retardancy of the NS filled EPDM/KF hybrid composite insulations is based on the fiber/matrix adhesion. Maleic anhydride grafting confers polarity to the nonpolar rubber matrix. The char residues of the insulations inspected by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy are depicting a rigid and rough surface by the optimal composites, which can aid in better insulation. The optimal formulation of the hybrid composites exhibited a 220% enhancement in char residue with improved thermal stability and mechanical properties.

Self-Healing EPDM Rubbers with Highly Stable and Mechanically-Enhanced Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) Microcapsules Prepared by Multi-Step In Situ Polymerization.

The mechanically-enhanced urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules are developed through a multi-step in situ polymerization method. Optical microscope (OM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) prove that the microcapsules, 147.4 μm in diameter with a shell thickness of 600 nm, are well-formed. From 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis, we found that dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), a self-healing agent encapsulated by the microcapsules, occupies ca. 40.3 %(v/v) of the internal volume of a single capsule. These microcapsules are mixed with EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer) and Grubbs’ catalyst via a solution mixing method, and universal testing machine (UTM) tests show that the composites with mechanically-enhanced microcapsules has ca. 47% higher toughness than the composites with conventionally prepared UF microcapsules, which is attributed to the improved mechanical stability of the microcapsule. When the EPDM/microcapsule rubber composites are notched, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy shows that DCPD leaks from the broken microcapsule to the damaged site and flows to fill the notched valley, and self-heals as it is cured by Grubbs’ catalyst. The self-healing efficiency depends on the capsule concentration in the EPDM matrix. However, the self-healed EPDM/microcapsule rubber composite with over 15 wt% microcapsule shows an almost full recovery of the mechanical strength and 100% healing efficiency.

Machine learning predictions on fracture toughness of multiscale bio-nano-composites

Tailorability is an important advantage of composites. Incorporating new bio-reinforcements into composites can contribute to using agricultural wastes and creating tougher and more reliable materials. Nevertheless, the huge number of possible natural material combinations works against finding optimal composite designs. Here, machine learning was employed to effectively predict fracture toughness properties of multiscale bio-nano-composites. Charpy impact tests were conducted on composites with various combinations of two new bio fillers, pistachio shell powders, and fractal date seed particles, as well as nano-clays and short latania fibers, all which reinforce a poly(propylene)/ethylene–propylene–diene-monomer matrix. The measured energy absorptions obtained were used to calculate strain energy release rates as a fracture toughness parameter using linear elastic fracture mechanics and finite element analysis approaches. Despite the limited number of training data obtained from these impact tests and finite element analysis, the machine learning results were accurate for prediction and optimal design. This study applied the decision tree regressor and adaptive boosting regressor machine learning methods in contrast to the K-nearest neighbor regressor machine learning approach used in our previous study for heat deflection temperature predictions. Scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the nano-clay dispersion and impact fracture morphology.

Heat dissipative mechanical damping properties of EPDM rubber composites including hybrid fillers of aluminium nitride and boron nitride.

As highly integrated electronic devices and automotive parts are becoming used in high-power and load-bearing systems, thermal conductivity and mechanical damping properties have become critical factors. In this study, we applied two different fillers of aluminium nitride (AlN) and boron nitride (BN), having polygonal and platelet shapes, respectively, into ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to ensure improved thermo-mechanical properties of EPDM composites. These two different shapes are considered advantageous in providing effective pathways of phonon transfer as well as facilitating sliding movement of packed particles. When the volume ratio of AlN : BN was 1 : 1, the thermal conductivity of the hybrid-filler system (EPDM/AlN/BN) increased in comparison to that of the single-filler system (EPDM/AlN) of 3.03 to 4.76 W m-1 K-1. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and thermal distortion parameter (TDP) substantially decreased from 59.3 ppm °C-1 and 17.5 m K-1 of EPDM/AlN, to 39.7 ppm °C-1 and 8.4 m K-1 of EPDM/AlN/BN, representing reductions of 33 and 52%, respectively. Moreover, the damping coefficient of EPDM/AlN/BN was greatly increased to 0.5 of at 50 °C, compared to 0.03 of neat EPDM. These excellent performances likely stem from the effective packing of AlN/BN hybrid fillers, which could induce facile energy transfer and effective energy dissipation by the sliding movement of the adjacent hybrid fillers in the EPDM matrix.

Dielectric and thermal properties of micro/nano boron nitride co‐filled EPDM composites for high‐voltage insulation

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a polymeric material widely used for high-voltage insulation. This work reports the dielectric and thermal properties of EPDM co-filled with micro- and nano-BN particles. EPDM composite samples with different micro and micro/nano co-filled contents are prepared by melt-blending and followed by hot press application. Measurements were made including broadband dielectric spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and thermal conductivity. Experimental findings indicate that Micro-25 wt% + Nano-5 wt% performs better in terms of dielectric loss and conductivity whilst the dielectric constant is measured lower in Micro-29 wt% + Nano-1 wt% relative to the equivalent micron filled Micro-30 wt%. Moreover, the initial degradation temperature and final residual masses of co-filled composites are found considerably higher. The thermal conductivity of EPDM is highly influenced by the introduction of co-filled set of particles and it is measured about 0.465 W/m.K in Micro-29 wt% + Nano-1 wt% which is 18% higher than Micro-30 wt%. It is likely that the denser packing geometry due to co-filled set of particles inside the EPDM matrix improves the dielectric and thermal properties which make such composites more attractive for electrical insulation applications.

Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Surface Properties of Some EPDM/Butyl Rubber Composites.

The effects of electron beam irradiation on the properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/butyl rubber composites in presence of a polyfunctional monomer were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), and mechanical and surface energy measurements. The samples were exposed over a wide range of irradiation doses (20–150 kGy). The EPDM matrix was modified with butyl rubber, chlorobutyl rubber, and bromobutyl rubber. The gel content and crosslink density were found to increase with the electron beam irradiation dose. The values of the hardness and modulus increased gradually with the irradiation dose, while the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing irradiation dose. The EPDM/butyl rubber composites presented a higher thermal stability compared to the initial EPDM sample. The incorporation of butyl rubbers into the EPDM matrix led to an increase in material hydrophobicity. A similar trend was observed when the irradiation dose increased. The greatest change in the surface free energy and the contact angles occurs at an irradiation dose of 20 kGy. The Charlesby–Pinner plots prove the tendency to crosslinking as the irradiation dose increases.

Tensile, thermal, flammability and morphological properties of sepiolite filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM) rubber composites

The effect of sepiolite loading content on the curing characteristics, tensile mechanical, thermal, swelling, flammability and morphological properties of sepiolite-filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites was investigated. The composites were prepared with sepiolite loadings of 0–70 part per hundred (phr) of rubber using a two-roll mill. The results highlighted the improvement in the tensile properties and cross-link density values peaked at 60 phr of sepiolite loading. The scorch time, curing time, swelling percentage, and linear burning rate of the composites decreased with an increase in sepiolite loading. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an increasing trend with increase in sepiolite loading. The temperatures corresponding to 5, 25 and 50% weight loss (T5wt%, T25wt% and T50wt%) and the percentage of char residue gradually increased with increase in sepiolite loading. The homogenous dispersion of the sepiolite particles in the EPDM matrix and the formation of zigzag structures, especially at 60 phr, were the main reasons of the improvement of mechanical properties which were confirmed by the morphological studies. The formation of a protective layer, which acted as a barrier against heat transfer into the deeper layers, enhanced the flammability resistance of the composites. Notably, the EPDM filled with 60 phr sepiolite exhibited excellent performance in the aspects of mechanical, thermal stability and flammability properties and resistance towards swelling.

Mechanical properties of gamma‐irradiated EPDM/Waste newsprint microfibers composites treated using acrylic styrene emulsion as a coupling agent

This study investigated the effect of gamma radiation and acrylic styrene emulsion as a coupling agent on mechanical properties of the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/newsprint microfibers composite. The recycled newsprint paper was subjected to chemical pulping and the resulted micro fibers treated by using a different ratio of acrylic styrene emulsion (5, 10, and 15 wt% to the microfibers) before mixing with EPDM rubber matrix. The effect of the treated microfibers concentration, namely, 5 up to 50 phr (part per hundred part of rubber) and the effect of different doses of gamma radiation on the mechanical properties of the EPDM/newsprint microfibers composites was investigated. The newsprint microfibers structure and EPDM/treated microfibers composite were investigated using X‐ray diffraction and FTIR analysis. The results indicated that bonding had occurred between the treated microfibers and EPDM polymer matrix. EPDM/untreated newsprint microfibers composites have achieved higher mechanical properties than EPDM matrix up to 10 phr microfibers concentration and up to 60 kGy. Meanwhile, treatment of the newsprint microfibers by using acrylic styrene emulsion leads to improve mechanical properties of EPDM/treated microfibers composites higher than that of the EPDM/untreated fibers composites. Newsprint microfibers treated using 10% acrylic styrene and gamma irradiated at 60 kGy, was found to maintain a higher tensile strength, modulus of 100% strain and toughness. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1209–1227, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effect of dendrimer modified montmorillonite on structure and properties of EPDM nanocomposites

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of dendrimer modified clay minerals on the structure and properties of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites.Flame-retardant and dendrimer modified organic montmorillonite (FR-DOMt) was successfully prepared by Na+-montmorillonite, tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride (THPC), N, N-dihydroxyl-3-aminomethyl propionate, and boric acid. This dendritic type of organoclay (OC) was used in preparation of EPDM/FR-DOMt nanocomposites. The properties of these nanocomposites were studied. The dispersion status of the layered silicates in EPDM was revealed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM results showed that FR-DOMt was exfoliated in the EPDM matrix when 10 phr of FR-DOMt was incorporated. The mechanical behavior, thermal stability, and flame retardance of the samples were examined. The experimental data demonstrated that the EPDM hybrids owned an improved tensile strength and elongation at break. In addition, the nanocomposites exhibited higher thermal stability and flame retardance than that of unfilled EPDM matrix.