New Methodology For High Surface Quality Characterization In EPDM Extruded Compounds

Vehicle manufacturers are setting ever stricter standards for the surface appearance of visible parts. Suppliers are finding that to meet these expectations they must incur a significant cost in scrap product and in quality testing. Effective strategies to minimize scrap include employing the highest quality raw materials. Often, EPDM suppliers are challenged to accurately measure gels in their products. An extra complication is that there are no standardized test methodologies broadly accepted across the industry. To meet these rapidly changing and ever increasing needs of the customer, this paper will articulate two state-of-the-art semi-automated gel test methodologies used by Dow for the NORDEL™ IP and MG Hydrocarbon Rubber products. Additionally, a scientifically based approach to report absolute defect levels will be discussed. These techniques will increase the transparency of this critical analysis for the EPDM industry to enable the end user to achieve lower cost and higher quality.