Improving the Crack Growth Resistance in EPDM Compounds with Butyl Ionomer

A new butyl-based material – butyl ionomer -  has been developed which contains a persistent ionic charge attached to the butyl backbone.  In addition to  the properties of traditional butyl rubber (impermeability and low temperature flexibility) the butyl ionomer displays many unique physical and dynamic properties including excellent green strength, improved polymer-filler interaction and the formation of stable pellets. 

Incorporation of  the butyl ionomer in an EPDM compound has been shown to significantly reduce crack growth.  As crack growth is one of the main modes of failure for mechanical goods, the addition of the butyl ionomer should improve the service lifetime as well reduce costly downtime.