Title : The relationship between mechanical properties and morphology of the nanocomposite foams based on EPDM/CNT with type of vulcanization system
Abstract:
Nanocomposite foams based on ethylene propylene diene monomer terpolymer (EPDM) reinforced by a hybrid system of carbon black and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were prepared using different amounts of CNTs, foaming agent, and two curing systems of sulphur and peroxide. Carbon black helped MWCNT to disperse properly in the rubber matrix and improved the interaction of nanoparticle and matrix. We investigate the mechanical properties and morphology of the foam and the effect of rubber composition on them. CNT acted as a heterogeneous nucleation site and led to a higher density of cells with more uniform morphology with smaller cells that was modelled with modified classical nucleation theory. Increasing CNT content decreased the scorch time due to nanoparticles' high thermal conductivity properties, which also led to the enhanced thermal stability of the samples, also, improved the compression strength and toughness of samples.
Keywords: EPDM; foam; MWCNT; carbon black; classical nucleation theory
