Propylene Diene Monomer Research Articles

Anti-migration of NG by using EPDM insulating materials coated with reduced graphene oxide

The migration of nitroglycerin (NG) has always been the important issue on ensuring structural integrity and operational reliability of Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether (NEPE) propellant/Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) liner/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) insulation bonding system. This paper designs an innovative surface modification method to prepare EPDM insulation coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which weakens the NG absorption of EPDM insulation and blocks the pathway of NG migrating into EPDM insulation. The formation mechanism and microstructure of graphene-coated layer was analyzed. The RGO-coated layer is well bonded to the HTPB liner. And its anti-migration performance to NG at different temperatures was studied. Under the same storage conditions as blank samples, RGO-coated layers can reduce the diffusion coefficient of NG by the range from 82.2% to 87.3%, and increase the diffusion activation energy of NG by 26.8%. This research provides a new strategy to inhibit NG migrating in NEPE propellant/HTPB liner/EPDM insulation bonding system.

Tailored Ni‐Zn‐Cu ferrite/EPDM nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted properties for mechanical and electrical applications

AbstractIn this study, we prepared Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. First, Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a tailored composition of NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2). Subsequently, these nanoparticles were incorporated into the EPDM rubber matrix through a two‐roll mixing mill. Scanning electron microscopy and x‐rays diffraction techniques were used to explore their morphology and structure. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify metal‐oxygen bonds in the nanoparticles and their incorporation in the nanocomposites. Similarly, curing properties, including optimum cure time, scorch time, and torque profiles, were evaluated using a moving die rheometer. While, mechanical properties of these composites, such as tensile strength and Young's modulus, were determined with a universal testing machine. Tensile strength improved from 0.11 MPa to 0.22 MPa (100% increase), whereas, the Young's modulus increased from 0.03 MPa to 0.052 MPa (86% increase). Additionally, we investigated the dielectric properties of these nanocomposites, encompassing permittivity, resistivity, and dielectric constant, using a dielectric properties analyzer. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in dielectric resistivity of nanocomposites (from 33.2 GΩ to 23.38 GΩ) upon the introduction of Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles, indicating the formation of a continuous nanofiller network within the EPDM matrix. Interestingly, as the nanofiller loading increased, both dielectric permittivity and dielectric constant exhibited a gradual rise. The permittivity value increased from 2.31 to 2.39 (Fm−1), while the dielectric constant increased from 0.0091 to 0.0179.Highlights Synthesized Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4; tuned composition NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2). Integrated ferrite into EPDM; optimized mixing for enhanced properties. Employed SEM, XRD, and FTIR; revealed morphology, structure, and bonding. Evaluated curing using MDR; unveiled optimal time and torque profiles. Explored dielectric properties; demonstrated reduced resistivity, heightened permittivity.

Microwave curing of modified benzoxazine resin/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber/Kevlar composite

AbstractThe purpose of this paper was to show how modified benzoxazine resin/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber/Kevlar composites are prepared. The compatibilization of polar benzoxazine resin and non‐polar EPDM was carried out by EPDM‐g‐MAH copolymer synthesized as a compatibilizer, and then, the microwave (MW) irradiation method and conventional thermal cure (CV) were used to cure this composite. The samples cured by both methods were evaluated and compared by differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). Microwave curing significantly reduced the curing time, and the composites cured with MW irradiation had higher glass transition temperature (Tg), more uniform curing, higher cross‐link density, and more thermal stability than CV‐cured composites.Highlights Constructing BZ/EPDM/Kevlar thermal composite for use at high temperatures. Using modified resin to reduce curing temperature and improve final properties. Creating compatibility between non‐polar EPDM rubber and polar BZ resin. Investigating and comparing between thermal and MW curing of the composites.

The GO composite coatings for enhancing interfacial interaction performance and desensitization of CL-20

Although CL-20 is one of the most widely used high-explosives, the issue of its high sensibility and interfacial interaction with coating material in composite explosives have not yet been well understood. Herein, the electrostatic self-assembly capability of a graphene oxide (GO) aqueous solution was utilized to desensitize CL-20 and enhance its interfacial interaction by preparing a CL-20@GO@desensitizer composite, which was prepared by the “one-pot” water suspension method. It was found that the CL-20@GO composite exhibited a compact GO cladding layer and demonstrated exceptional safety characteristics. On this basis, the structure and performance of three CL-20@GO@densitizer composites were characterized by SEM, XPS, ZETA, DSC, XRD, and mechanical sensitivity. The morphology of composites showed that GO@microcrystalline wax (MW) was evenly coated on the surface of CL-20 under the influence of ionic charge and -OH bonding. The surface analysis results indicated that three types of GO@desensitizer films possessed exceptional coating effectiveness. The thermal analyses results suggested that the CL-20@GO@ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) endowed Ea of composite up to 351.43 kJ/mol, while, the Ea of CL-20@GO, CL-20@GO@MW and CL-20@GO@MW + EPDM were only 184.36 kJ/mol, 186.21 kJ/mol and 258.79 kJ/mol, respectively. Besides, the XRD results confirmed that the three films had not caused a transformation of the CL-20 crystal phase, which afforded process safety support for the further application of this composite particle. Due to the high thermal conductivity of desensitizer-film, the composite showed a advantage in mechanical sensitivity, which can reach to a level of 252 N and 10 J. These findings can provide a reference for enhancing surface performance and desensitization of CL-20.

Influence of NR/EPDM Ratios on the Performance of Pneumatic Fenders in Seawater

The performance of pneumatic fenders in seawater is crucial to ensure safety and serviceability. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the performance of compound formulations of two different types of carbon black N660 and N220 at various NR/EPDM (Natural Rubber/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) ratios of 100/0; 90/10; 80/20, and 70/30 in artificial seawater at 95°C for 30 days. The mechanical properties of rubber compounds were measured and compared before and after aging in seawater. Comparing two types of carbon black, no significant difference in tensile, elongation, tear strength, and compression set at the same blend ratios after aging in seawater. Nevertheless, the abrasion resistance of N220 is lower than that of N660 before and after aging in seawater due to insufficient dispersion. Adding high crystalline EPDM in the blend results in lower mechanical properties change than pure NR after aging in seawater. In addition, the blend contains EPDM imparts high abrasion resistance in seawater. Using EPDM up to 30 phr in the blend with NR indicates the possibility of utilizing this high oxidation stability of rubber as a pneumatic fender.

Tensile stress relaxation behavior of a novel wide‐angle fabric/EPDM composite at room temperature

AbstractThe main purpose of this study is to analyze the fundamental deformation and relaxation mechanisms responsible for the stress relaxation behavior of a novel wide‐angle fabric/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composite (W‐60 composite) at room temperature with different initial strain. The designed and constructed stress relaxation test device can test five samples simultaneously. The stress relaxation curves of the W‐60 composite are in general agreement with those of the pure rubber. It is proved again that the wide‐angle fabric has good formability. Through the slope calculation, the stress relaxation curves of the W‐60 composite can be divided into two stages: rapid relaxation stage (RRS) and slow relaxation stage (SRS). The cross‐sections are observed using photographic tracking techniques and CT scans. The stress relaxation mechanism of the W‐60 composite is dominated by the internal physical relaxation. It shows many more correlations under the experiment results for the three‐component Maxwell's model with parallel‐connect nonlinear spring (NS‐TCM model). However, in the mechanical models with more parameters, the computational problem also increases due to the accumulation of local minima, which makes it harder to find global minima.Highlights This study builds stress relaxation testing equipment for flexible composite. This study uses a 7‐day stress relaxation pre‐experiment. The stress retrogradation and elastic recovery have occurred. The deformation and strengthening mechanisms of stress relaxation are revealed. The NS‐TCM model shows a positive correlation with the experimental results.

Influence of aviation hydraulic oil swelling on the mechanical properties of HNBR/EPDM vulcanizates reinforced by carbon black

AbstractThe study on swelling behaviors of rubber products in liquid media is of great value for life prediction and practical application guidance. In this work, changes in the mechanical properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber/ethylene propylene diene monomer (HNBR/EPDM) blends caused by swelling in aviation hydraulic oil YH‐15 were studied. Effects of two kinds of carbon black, N220, and N990, on the tensile properties of HNBR/EPDM blends at both unswollen and swollen states were investigated. The results turned out that N220 exhibited better reinforcing effects than N990 on HNBR/EPDM blends. The tensile properties of unfilled and filled HNBR/EPDM blends decreased rapidly at first and then tended to stabilize with the extension of swelling time in YH‐15, while the modulus at 100% declined firstly and then increased. After swelling for 72 h, the tensile strength of HNBR/EPDM blends filled with N220 decreased by more than 35%, and by comparison, it decreased by about 20% for the N990‐filled HNBR/EPDM blends. The cross‐sections of the tensile samples after swelling changed greatly compared with the unswollen samples. In addition, the effect of swelling on the hardness of the HNBR/EPDM blends was not obvious.

Interfacial, tensile and bending properties of a novel wide-angle woven fabric/EPDM composite

Off-axis woven flexible composites have attracted attention because of its excellent deformability. However, the current traditional method is to cut orthogonal woven fabrics into the diagonal lines, in which the central axis of above-mentioned diagonal fabrics is consistent with the length of synchronous belt. Obviously, this technique is inefficient and costly. This paper presents the interfacial, tensile and bending properties of a novel wide-angle woven fabric/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites. 60°/120° wide-angle fabrics are prepared by an improved rapier loom. For comparisons, 0°/90° orthogonal fabrics are also braided. Then these two kinds of the fabric/EPDM composites are fabricated by a hot pressing mechanism. Subsequently, the interface, tensile and bending tests are carried out. The mechanical behaviors and failure mode are analyzed. The results show that the tensile strength and modulus of 60°/120° wide-angle fabric/EPDM composites are 11.11 MPa and 61.43 MPa, which are 22% (9.14 MPa) and 65% (37.04 MPa) higher than those of 0°/90° orthogonal fabric/EPDM composites, respectively. Moreover, the bending strength (5.86 MPa) of 0°/90° orthogonal fabric/EPDM composites is similar to that (6.62 MPa) of 60°/120° wide-angle fabric/EPDM composites, whereas the bending modulus (206.31 MPa) of the former is 30% lower than that (293.83 MPa) of the later ones.

Characterization of Viscoelastic Poisson's Ratio of Engineering Elastomers via DIC-Based Creep Testing.

New data of creep and viscoelastic Poisson’s ratio, , of five engineering elastomers (Ethylene Propylene-Diene Monomer, Flouroelastomer (Viton®), nitrile butadiene rubber, silicone rubber and neoprene/chloroprene rubber) at different stress (200, 400 and 600 kPa) and temperature (25, 50 and 80 °C) are presented. The was characterized through an experimental methodological approach based on creep testing (30 min) and strain (axial and transverse) measurements by digital image correlation. Initially, creep behavior in axial and transverse directions was characterized for each elastomer and condition, and then each creep curve was fitted to a four-element creep model to obtain the corresponding functions. The obtained functions were used to estimate for prolonged times (300 h) through a convolution equation. Overall, the characterization was achieved for the five elastomers results exhibiting increasing with temperature and time from about 0.3 (for short-term loading) to reach and stabilize at about 0.48 (for long-term loading).

Aging Assessment of Corona-Exposed HTV-SiR/EPDM Blends Loaded With Nanofillers

Exposure of insulating systems to strong electric field and other environmental stresses may cause loss of their desired properties. In high-voltage applications, phenomena, such as corona discharges and unexpected flashovers, may deteriorate the surface as well as bulk conditions of an insulating material and thereby affect its lifetime. In this article, several types of corona-exposed HTV-SiR/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends filled with different concentrations of nano-sized boron nitride and silicon carbide particles are evaluated and the induced modifications of their properties are presented and discussed. The diagnosis is based on measured data of surface partial discharge (PD) and volume current. For the latter, experiments were performed at different levels of electric field between 0.5 and 4 kV/mm and ambient temperature ranging from 22 °C to 70 °C. Results of the conducted experiments revealed the degradation of surface properties through an increase in the PD magnitude. It was also observed that corona aging of the samples decreases the threshold electric field particularly at elevated temperatures, above which space charge effect in the materials may become significant. Moreover, it was observed that the blend compositions loaded with nanofillers retard surface PD and bulk deterioration.

Comparative Study on Water Vapour Resistance of Poly(lactic acid) Films Prepared by Blending, Filling and Surface Deposit.

The polylactic acid (PLA) resin Ingeo 4032D was selected as the research object, with a focus on PLA modification by using polymers such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene–propylene-diene monomer grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (EPDM-g-GMA), by using fillers such as nano calcium carbonate and zeolite. In order to characterize the deposition effect of Al2O3 on the film surface by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition, Bio-oriented PLA (BOPLA) with more uniform thickness than blown film was purchased for study. The mechanical properties, friction coefficient, surface contact angle and water vapour transmission rate of the modified PLA film were compared and discussed. The aim was to find out the most influencing factors of film’s water vapour resistance.

Effect of radiation on mechanical properties and molecular structure of rubbers for nuclear robots

As polymers, rubber materials are easily affected by radiation; therefore, their radiation resistance must be considered for their use in robots and automation equipment in high-radiation environments. In this study, the properties of several common rubber materials, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), fluororubber (FKM), and acrylate rubber (ACM), were investigated under high-dose gamma-ray irradiation. The dose rate of gamma rays was 66.76 Gy/min, and the cumulative dose was 1214965.24 Gy. Oxidative decomposition of the double bond of EPDM occurred, leading to slight decreases in the strength and elongation. NBR and HNBR were mainly subjected to crosslinking of the molecular structure, resulting in small increases in strength and significant decreases in elongation. The cyano decomposition reaction occurred in ACM, and its crystallinity increased, leading to embrittlement and decreases in the strength and elongation. Oxidative decomposition and cross-linking simultaneously occurred in FKM, resulting in an increase in strength and decreases in elongation and the elastic modulus.

Ablation characteristics of insulator under high-temperature gas dual-pulse erosion

This study numerically simulated and investigated the flow field characteristics of a typical dual-pulse solid rocket motor with a soft pulse separation device through thermal insulation ablation under high-temperature dual-pulse erosion. The ablation rate of ethylene -propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) insulator was measured after the experiment. Experimental results were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and microcomputed tomography. The ablation mechanism of the EPDM insulator under the operation conditions of a dual-pulse solid rocket motor was evaluated by analyzing the results. The results reveal that the internal flow field of the motor with a soft pulse separation device is uniform. The original charred layer existing on the EPDM insulator surface in the first pulse combustor is the decisive factor affecting the final ablation rate of the dual-pulse motor during the second pulse operation, and the ablation characteristic region is easily formed with the exfoliation of the charred layer. The ablation rate difference of the insulator increases with gas velocity.

Polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/cellulose nanocrystal ternary blend nanocomposites: Effects of different parameters on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties

AbstractIn the present study, the effect of dynamic vulcanization, mixing sequence, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) content on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP/EPDM/CNC) ternary blend‐nanocomposites was investigated. Significant reduction in tensile and yield strengths occurred for the un‐vulcanized PP/EPDM blend compared to PP. Vulcanization and adding CNC have compensated for the decrease in tensile and yield strengths of the un‐vulcanized blend. The tensile and yield strengths of the vulcanized samples had almost a slight uptrend by adding CNC. Elongation at break for both nanocomposites types had slight changes compared to that of PP/EPDM‐thermoplastic vulcanizates and all of them were approximately in the range of 600%–700%. Adding CNC before or after vulcanization had the same effect on the trend of Young's modulus and the higher the amount of CNC, the greater the increase in Young's modulus. Incorporating and increasing the amount of CNC improved the impact strength of all samples, especially when added after vulcanization. Rheological measurements showed that vulcanization of PP/EPDM resulted in frequency independence of storage modulus and a more sharp increment in Complex viscosity. Also, the more CNC content, the more dramatic changes occurred in complex viscosity, especially in DV‐CNC nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that all samples had higher crystallinity which was more significant for Dynamic vulcanization (DV)‐CNC nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscope images also indicated that the addition of CNC increased fracture surface roughness for all samples ignoring their preparation sequence.

EFFECTS OF CROSSLINK BOND TYPE OF IIR-BASED WASTE RUBBER POWDER ON THE EPDM-ASSISTED DEVULCANIZATION REACTION

ABSTRACT Isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR)–based waste rubber powder (WRP) present in WRP/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blends was devulcanized through a stress-induced reaction by increasing the screw rotation speed in the presence of subcritical ethanol. The effects of crosslink bond type (which was cured using phenolic resin, sulphur, or zinc oxide) of WRP and the screw rotation speed on devulcanization were investigated. The results showed that the Mooney viscosity and gel content of the devulcanized blends (DWRP/EPDM) decreased with an increase in the screw rotation speed, and the optimal screw rotation speed maximized the molecular weight (Mη) of sols and enhanced the mechanical properties of the revulcanized material. The optimal screw rotation speed for the phenolic resin-cured WRP1 and zinc oxide-cured WRP3 was 500 r min−1 and that for sulphur-cured WRP2 was 300 r min−1. At the optimal screw rotation speed, crosslink bonds severely fractured, and the main chain structure remained relatively intact. The 1H-NMR spectra of the sol in the devulcanized blends (DWRP/EPDM) confirmed that the content of the alpha and double-bond protons of sols are the highest at the optimal screw rotation speed, and many promoting agent (480) molecules penetrate and participate in devulcanization. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the size of the unfused gel particles in the mixed-revulcanized materials of IIR/(DWRP1/EPDM), IIR/(DWRP2/EPDM), and BIIR/(DWRP3/EPDM) was the smallest at the optimal screw rotation speed.

Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (PET/EPDM) in the Presence of Nanoclay

This research deals with the mechanical properties, microstructure, and interrelations of triple nanocomposite based on PET/EPDM/Nanoclay. These properties were examined in different percentages of PET/EPDM blend with compatibilizer (Styrene-Ethylene/Butylene-Styrene)-G-(Maleic anhydrate) (SEBS-g-MAH). Results showed that the addition of 15% SEBS-g-MAH improved the toughness and impact strength of this nanocomposite. SEM micrographs indicated the most stable fuzzy microstructure in a 50/50 mixture of scattered phases of EPDM/SEBS-g-MAH. The effects of percentages of 1, 3, 5, 7 nanoclay Cloisite 30B (C30B) on the improvement of the properties were evaluated. With the addition of nano clay, the toughness and impact strength was reduced. Thermal destruction of nanoclay in processing temperature led to the decreasing dispersion of clay plates in the matrix and a reduction in the distances of nano clay plates in the composite compared to pure nano clay. XRD and TEM analysis was used to demonstrate the results. By adding 1% of nanoclay to the optimal sample, maximum stiffness, and Impact strength, among other nanocomposites, was achieved.

Optimisation of Compression Moulding Parameter for NR/EPDM Material

Natural Rubber/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (NR/EPDM) elastomeric has gaining popularity in the automotive industry owing to the fact in term of sustainability. With extensive studies and an increasing number of applications for future advancement, the need for an accurate and reliable guide in processing this type of elastomer has increased enormously. The present work deals with the study of compression moulding parameters (i.e. temperature, pressure, heating time and pressure time) and its effects against NR/EPDM elastomeric mechanical properties (i.e. ultimate tensile strength (UTS), cross-link density and eccentricity error) aim on establishing optimized processing parameters setup. The optimizations are achieved through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and mathematical model for each response is developed to access the relationship between the parameters. Adequacy of models is analysed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the determination of significant input variables and possible interactions. Lastly, multi objectives optimization is performed through numerical optimization and predicted results are validated. Strong agreement between experimental and the selected solution are found in between 93% and 96%, thus validating the solution as an optimal run condition. The findings suggest that temperature and heating time is the main factor affecting ultimate tensile strength, whereas for cross-link density there is only one significant parameter which is temperature. UTS and cross-link density decrease with the increases of the temperature and heating time due to the degradation (temperature too high for NR/EPDM working temperature). Therefore, it is recommended to start the process below the NR/EPDM degradation point to avoid the scissoring rubber take place and subsequently improving the mechanical properties

Research on property variation of silicone rubber and EPDM rubber under interfacial multi-stresses

In this paper, silicone rubber (SR) and ethylene propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber used in 110 kV prefabricated joints of XLPE cables were chosen as subjects, and a multi-stress experimental device was set up to simulate the insulation interface. Different mechanical tensions and/or AC electrical stresses were applied to the rubber samples at the interface composed of XLPE and SR/EPDM. After preset times, microscopic observations, together with measurements of mechanical properties, volume resistivity, crosslinking degree, attenuated total reflectance Fourier infrared spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed. It is shown that for both materials, molecular chains are partly broken by electron or ion bombardment from the discharges under electrical stress, and micro-molecules and oxides are formed on the sample surfaces. The mechanical stress facilitates this process without changing the reaction essence. The volume characteristic parameters of SR samples degraded with aging, while those of EPDM samples remained relatively stable. It is shown that under the same interfacial electrical-mechanical stresses, SR samples shows degradation of the overall performance; while for EPDM samples, the damage occurs mainly on the surface. This is due to the different chain structures, filler types and content in the materials.

Off-line TLC-IR (UATR) characterization of additives in EPDM rubber

Abstract Sulfur donor accelerators and vulcanization agents, such as peroxides, due to their chemical characteristics and good thermal stability properties in rubber formulations, are essential to provide solutions in different sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, since they reduce the polymer degradation process (reversal), which can influence the performance of the elastomeric material. In this way, the use of methodologies for the components knowledge of a formulation is imperative for the structure proper establishment/property relationship of the elastomeric artifacts. The development of methodology that can separate and characterize the rubber formulation components is a constant challenge, still allows gaps, and is usually done by conventional but not coupled instrumental techniques. In this scenario, this paper aimed to contribute to the use of the off-line coupling of thin-layer or thin-layer chromatography (TLC)/infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), by universal attenuated total reflection (UATR) for N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide (CBS), tetramethyl thiuram disulphide (TMTD) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP), in formulations of ethylene and propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber containing the plasticizer naphthenic oil. This plasticizer was characterized in formulations that presented higher content of this compound, but the eluting systems were not effective in separating DCP. However, better separation of CBS and TMTD was observed.

Mixed-mode fracture in EPDM/SBR/nanoclay rubber composites: An experimental and theoretical investigation

Fracture analysis of rubber nanocomposites weakened by a crack and loaded in mixed-mode (I/II) condition is investigated in the current research for the first time. In fact, no study was devoted in the past to investigate the fracture of rubbers reinforced with nanoparticles and subjected to mixed-mode loading, neither experimentally nor theoretically. To fill this gap, in the experimental phase of study, ethylene–propylene-diene monomer (EPDM)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) blends reinforced with CLOISITE 15 nanoclay are prepared and some uniaxial tensile experiments and fracture tests are conducted. In the theoretical field of contribution, due to the undeniable importance of presentation of a fracture criterion, an energy-based criterion, namely averaged strain energy density (ASED), is adopted to predict the rupture of tested rubber/nanoclay composites. To apply the criterion, some non-linear finite element analyses considering the Ogden hyperelastic material model are also performed. The results highlight the success of this criterion to assess the fracture of nano-reinforced rubbers containing a mixed-mode crack.