The use of oil / fat acids in EPDM rubber formülations

Mineral oils, which are used in elastomers for mixing process, reduce the viscosity, and cost effective as a high volume ingredients, can be classified as paraffinic, naphthenic and aromatic oils by means of paraffinic carbon (Cp), naphthenic carbon (Cn), and aromatic carbon (Ca) included carbon structures. Alternative solutions are being produced like other petroleum-based raw materials, which has started as a bio based fuel process. One of the biggest is the research of alternatives for an environmentalist solution, instead of mineral-based oils, which has been used in industry. In this study, it was used in the specially prepared EPDM (Etilen Propilen Dien Monomer) formulation of edible sunflower oil and flax seed oil as an alternative to petroleum based paraffinic oils used in EPDM based rubber mixtures. Mooney scorch, Mooney viscosity, Rheometer, density, permanent deformation, hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break and crosslink density tests were performed on disc and plates of compound mixtures made from renewable oils, and also TGA (Termo Grovemtrik Analiz) results were examined. When the results are compared with paraffinic and vegetable oils, it is observed that compound viscosity is increased, scorch time is reduced therefore, curing is started than expected. In rheometer results no difference is observed, there could not be observed any positive results in terms of mechanical tests due to paraffinic test results.