PROCESSING AND FORMULATION FLEXIBILITIES OF A NEW METALLOCENE EPDM RUBBER

Interviews with elastomer converters have shown that the performance attribute requirements of EPDM continue to evolve.  Converters are demanding easier mixing elastomers with greater formulation flexibility, better extrusion processability, and greater cure efficiency.  To meet these evolving needs, a new grade of metallocene EPDM rubber, XUS 51102, was recently developed. This paper reports the processing and performance characteristics of the new grade of EPDM rubber. The new polymer exhibits fast cure rate, high cure efficiency, improved processability, excellent physical properties, and enhanced formulation extendibility and flexibility.