A New High Molecular Weight, Non Oil Extended EPDM Polymer for Improved Extrusion Performance

EPDM rubber is widely used in automotive, tires, construction, and thermoplastic modifications because of its excellent weather/ozone resistance, low temperature flexibility, 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 50 years that enables the design of EPDM polymers with a molecular architecture for a specific application. 

A new non oil extended EPDM polymer with very high molecular weight, high diene content, low ethylene/propylene ratio has been developed that could be used in both dense and sponge extruded profiles.  The high molecular weight of the polymer and its unique molecular architecture allow the higher loadings of fillers and oil to lower the compound cost while maintaining the cure rate, surface appearance, and physical properties.  The rheological properties, curing characteristics, and physical properties of the compounds for some targeted applications will be given during the presentation.