Effect of carbon black type and vulcanization system on static and dynamic mechanical properties of new generation ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers

The scope of this thesis study is that conduct fundamental research by obtaining rheological, mechanical and dynamic properties of new generation, high molecular weight-narrow molecular weight distribution EPDM based compounds possessing different filler types/contents and vulcanization systems. In addition to all of these, compounding formulation or formulations were optimized in order to obtain a potential end product as resilient wheels for light rail vehicles. Based on these considerations, four major groups were constituted which contain different carbon black types and content. Moreover, subgroups were differentiated regarding vulcanization systems. Initially, compounds vulcanization parameters were obtained at different temperatures to optimize vulcanization by using MDR. Furthermore, stress-strain, hardness, rebound elasticity, permanent deformation properties at room temperature were investigated in order to examine the effects of formulation-based changes on mechanical features. To predict service life of vulcanizates as an end product, stress relaxation and force temperature relation were observed. Crosslink density of elastomer systems were evaluated two different aspect of view, RPA and TSSR techniques. By applying cyclic loading at different deformations, hysteresis of elastomer systems was attained; therefore, energy and shock absorption capacity of vulcanizates were evaluated. In conclusion, comparative study examined thoroughly in terms of mechanically and dynamically; thus, the formulation possessing optimized properties was prepared as a resilient wheel end product for industrial phase. Finally, natural frequency, energy dissipation frequency range and stiffness were determined for both benchmark and the end product by using MTS method to compare damping characteristics.