Elevast Polymer Modifiers (PM) – Highly Efficient Plasticizers for the Property Enhancement of Polyolefin Elastomers

Ever increasing performance demands on rubber products require constant improvements in rubber formulations. Plasticizers are one component that compounders can use to help achieve the required improvements. In this paper, ExxonMobil Chemical introduces an important advancement in plasticizer technology, particularly plasticizer technology for polyolefin elastomers. Elevast polymer modifiers (PM) are specialty amorphous hydrocarbon fluids tailored for polymer modification through proprietary process technology that helps them overcome many of the limitations associated with conventional paraffinic mineral oils. Specifically, these new plasticizers have the potential to offer improved productivity, superior permanence, lower pour points over a wider range of viscosities, and reduced interference with the crosslinking chemistry,. Benefits of using Elevast PM technology, demonstrated here for filled, peroxide-cured EP(D)M formulations, include increased cure rate and cure state, the potential to reduce crosslinking agent concentration, improvements in key physical properties (especially at low temperature), and longer retention of properties during high-temperature service. There is also a decrease in compound Mooney viscosity, which results in better processability. Overall, Elevast PM technology widens the range of properties, and improves the balance between those properties, for polyolefin elastomer compounds. These enhancements will enable rubber compounders to meet new performance

challenges in a variety of technical applications.