Dicyclopentadiene type EPDM was synthesized from ethylene, propylene and dicyclopentadiene using soluble Ziegler catalyst consisting of hydrocarbon soluble vanadium compounds and organic aluminum compounds, by a continuous polymerization process under normal pressure. In this study, we examined the relation between polymerization factors and main physical properties of vulcanized EPDM.
On decreasing the polymerization temperature, the roll processability of raw EPDM and the tackiness of compounds decreased respectively. On vulcanizing the rubber, its crack resistance was improved.
When the ethylene content of EPDM was increased to a level higher than 60%, its tackiness, crack resistance and elongation at break were improved accordingly.
The content of dicyclopentadiene was found to be the most effective factor influencing the vulcanized rubber properties. By increasing the dicyclopentadiene content, the scorch time, crack resistance and heat build-up, elongation, rebound, and compression set were all improved. On the other hand, the tensile modulus, tensile strength and hardness values became lower.
From the forgoing results, it has been found that the crosslinking density of EPDM has a significant effect on the EPDM rubber properties.
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