EPDM Compounds with New Antioxidants and Vulcanized Vegetable Oils

Cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and its derivatives contain mainly phenol compound attached with an unsaturated C₁₅ side chain on the benzene ring. The unique chemical structure would allow CNSL to become an effective free radical scavenger as well as processing oil for different rubber compounds. Furthermore, better heat aging properties in the rubber products can be achieved because of the permanent bonding formed between rubber and unsaturated side chain in CNSL during the vulcanization with sulfur and peroxide.

 Using ASTM D 573, tests of deterioration of vulcanized rubbers in the hot air oven, CNSL will be compared with other conventional antioxidants. In addition, retention of CNSL in the rubber compounds during heat aging will be evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC.)