Abstract
The ethylene propylene diene rubbers (EPDM) have been modified by halogenation. The reaction has been considered as one mainly of addition to the double bonds of the diene portion of the rubber. Dehydrohalogenation may occur to varying degrees, depending on the conditions of the reaction and the diene present in the rubber. Part of the halogen is believed to be in the allylic position. The halogenated EPDM may be vulcanized by sulfur as well as many of the curing agents used for other halogen-containing polymers. Both types of curing systems can function in the same compound. Therefore, the halogenated EPDM rubbers can be covulcanized with the highly unsaturated elastomers such as natural rubber, cis polybutadiene, and the SBR rubbers. The excellent properties, resistance to ozone, and flexing, of the halogenated EPDM can be imparted to these elastomers using standard curing systems. Also, the uncured tack of halogenated EPDM can be improved by increasing amounts of natural rubber. In addition, other advantages are adhesion of these blends to other rubber compounds and metal. It has been shown that the cure compatibility properties of the halogenated EPDM can be varied as the halogen is increased in the rubber. Evidence has been presented which shows there is an optimum amount of halogen necessary for the best properties in mixtures with other elastomers.
