Characteristics With Casting Molding Of Functional Epdm Through Grafting Polymerization

After the grafting of methacrylic acid (MA) to ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a new peak at 1704 cm(-1) corresponding to the carboxylic acid group was observed in the infrared (IR) spectrum. This characteristic MA molecule peak grew larger as the MA contents were increased. After casting films were prepared from pure EPDM and MA-grafted EPDM, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements were made the pure EPDM exhibited a melting point of approximately 45 degrees C while that of the MA-grafted EPDM was 135 similar to 140 degrees C. As the graft ratio of MA increased, the absorbed heat capacity increased at temperatures near 135 similar to 140 degrees C, indicating that an increased amount of MA reacted. Furthermore, owing to the addition of crystalline MA, it is expected that strength of the elastomer will improve as the graft ratio increases, as a result of the increased number of hard segments.