Studies on ethylene propylene diene rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane blends: The effect of maleation

Abstract

Blends of maleated ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) have been studied to understand the effect of the maleation level of EPDM on the compatibility and morphology of the blends. Blends with different maleation levels on EPDM (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 wt%) were compared for mechanical, thermal, and other properties. The appearance of single Tg for 0.5% and 0.75% confirms that a maleation level of more than 0.5 wt% is required for EPDM blends with TPU. However, best mechanical properties are obtained for 0.5% maleated EPDM and TPU blends. Aging, filler reinforcement, and weather resistance measurements were also studied for the blends of varying maleation levels.