Development and characterizations of ultra‐high molecular weight EPDM/PP based TPV nanocomposites for automotive applications

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Abstract
This research article reports, the preparation of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and TPV nanocomposites (TPVNs) based on EPDM and polypropylene (PP). New generation ultra‐high molecular weight EPDM (UHMW‐EPDM) and PP with nano‐fillers (nano‐clay and nano‐silica) and has been studied and characterized extensively typically for automotive applications. This special type of UHM‐EPDM‐based TPVs exhibit superior physico‐mechanical properties over conventional EPDM‐based TPVs and in the presence of nano‐fillers, they show even better physical properties. The TPVNs were prepared with a fixed EPDM: PP ratio and the nano fillers were varied at different concentrations. The influence of nano‐fillers, especially hectorite nano‐clay and nano‐silica has been first explored through physico‐mechanical properties. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus at various strain are improved for nano‐filler filled TPVNs. We have observed that due to the incorporation of nano‐fillers into the TPV matrix, swelling has been decreased. From morphology (AFM, SEM) study, it is observed that the fillers are well dispersed in the TPV matrix and nano‐silica fillers are well dispersed than nano‐clay (hectorite). Furthermore, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) studies have also been pursued to get a better insight into the TPV system. These newly developed TPVs can be used as potential candidates for application in the automotive sector.

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