Comparison Effect of Mica and Talc as Filler in EPDM Composites on Curing, Tensile and Thermal Properties

In this work, the comparison effect of mica and talc as filler in EPDM composites on curing, tensile, thermal properties was studied. EPDM/mineral fillers composites were compounded using two roll mill at various filler loading (i.e., 100/0, 100/10, 100/15, 100/30, 100/50, 100/70) and curing characteristics were carried out at 160°C using a Monsanto Moving Die Rheometer. The tensile and thermal properties as well as fracture surfaces of composites were tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the optimum cure time (t90), scorch time (ts2) decreased, while maximum torque (MH) increased for both composites with increasing filler loading. The tensile properties of EPDM/mica and EPDM/talc composites increased with increasing filler loading and the optimum tensile strength and tensile modulus for both mineral fillers occurred at 50 phr. EPDM/mica composites showed better tensile properties due to strong interfacial interaction between filler and matrix than EPDM/talc composites. In addition, thermal stability of both composites improved with increasing filler loading.