The Relationship of Molecular Parameters of EPDM Polymers and the Properties of EPDM Compounds for Specific Applications

EPDM rubber is widely used in automotive, tires, construction, and thermoplastic modifications because of its excellent weather/ozone resistance, low temperature properties, physical properties, electrical properties, high temperature resistance and ease of processing.  It is also highly extendable with oil and fillers to reduce the compound cost.  The unique properties of EPDM rubber can be attributed to the reaction/catalyst technology that has developed during the last 40 years that enables the design of EPDM polymers with a molecular architecture for a specific application.  Several examples of EPDM polymer of varying molecular architecture (ethylene/propylene ratio, diene type, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, long-chain branching, etc.) will be used to demonstrate the effects of these molecular parameters on the rheological properties, curing characteristics, and physical properties of the targeted applications.