Development of SWCNTs-reinforced EPDM/SBR matrices for shock absorbing applications

Abstract

The present research investigates the effects of various concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on the viscoelastic and thermomechanical characteristics of styrene-butadiene/ethylene propylene diene polymer (SBR/EPDM) blended polymeric matrices (60:40). Standard elastomeric methods are used to synthesise SWCNTs-reinforced EPDM/SBR nanocomposite blends. The results reveal that high SWCNTs concentrations offer remarkable thermal stability enhancement. SWCNTs reinforced with 0.6 mass% EPDM/SBR become 20% harder, with Tangent Delta values boosted by 70% with maximum cross-linking, elongation enhanced by 38% and tensile strength improved by 35%. With the 38% elongation enhancement, storage modulus is increased by 80%, whereas compressive strain is reduced by 20%. The planned hybrid nanocomposites exhibit viscoelastic characteristics against applied shock, in which the viscous component is associated with spongy structure, whereas the elastic component is associated with spring-like response.