28 An Investigation In the Use and Performance of Diatomaceous Earth In An EPDM Rubber Gasket for Domestic Laundry Application

Tuesday, October 11, 2011: 2:30 PM
Meeting Room #15 (The I-X Center)
Rajendra K. Singh, World Minerals Inc., Lompoc, CA, Andy Riley, IMERYS Minerals, UK, St Austell, United Kingdom and Kelvin Thomas, Par Moor Centre, IMERYS Minerals, UK, St. Austell, United Kingdom
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, highly porous inert mineral with high surface area and unique particle morphology. As such, DE finds utility over a wide range of functional mineral applications. Within a continuing programme of new product development there has been an increased focus in expanding the use of DE in multiple elastomeric systems - one of which will be the subject of this presentation.

Complex injection-moulded rubber components, such as those used in the manufacture of domestic laundry appliances, place specific demands on the reinforcing filler both during the manufacturing process and in service. Tear strength at ambient and elevated temperature and resistance to degradation by detergent chemicals are of particular importance.  The performance of a newly developed DE additive is evaluated in an EPDM washing-machine gasket compound and the beneficial properties that may be obtained with DE addition are demonstrated through both standard physical property and application specific tests.