EPDM vulcanizate properties and molecular structrure

The properties of the raw EP rubber and the corresponding vulcanizates are directly influenced by the rubber’s polymer structure. Factors with strong influence are:

• molecular weight
• molecular weight distribution
• composition
• crystallinity
• distribution of monomer units within a chain
• the extent of long-chain branching.

These properties are directly related to the polymerization conditions and catalyst system used in the EP rubber manufacturing process. By varying the reaction parameters at LANXESS, a wide range of EPDM types with different properties can be obtained, suitable for a large number of applications. This is made possible by a thorough understanding of the strong relationship between the process variables and the resulting product properties.

Polymer properties such as rate of cure and degree of crosslinking depend on the type and amount of a diene as termonomer. Grades with different amounts of this third monomer are offered to meet requirements in a wide range of applications.

 

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