Experiment Research on the Mechanical Performance of EPDM Insulation Pyrolysis Process

Abstract

In order to study the pyrolysis process of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) insulation material and its compression mechanical behaviour under high strain rates, the thermal stability of EPDM was analysed by TGA in the first place. Based on the TG curve and the thermal degradation temperature, the resistance furnace was set at different temperature to complete the heat preservation experiment. Then dynamic compression tests were conducted by using the split Hopkinson pressure bar. The stress-strain curves of EPDM material were obtained by processing the experimental signals under high strain rates. The results showed that the material became porous layers gradually with the increase of heat preservation temperature. Pyrolysis gas resulted in the bulge, even beat burst on the surface of tested samples. In the initial stage of pyrolysis, the compressive strength of the material increased with the temperature rise. Moreover, under the same conditions of the strain rate and strain, the stress increased with the temperature rise. When the temperature reached to 300 ℃ , the mechanical properties of EPDM mutated. By electron spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, it was considered that the neoprene pyrolysis led to the change of the material performance of EPDM.