Preparation and properties of EPDM–clay hybrids

Ethylene propylene diene methylene linkage rubber (EPDM)–clay hybrids have been prepared by mixing with EPDM and organophilic clay via vulcanization process. When we used thiuram and dithiocarbamate for the vulcanization accelerator, EPDM–clay hybrid was prepared successfully. In this EPDM–clay hybrid, the silicate layers of the clay were exfoliated and almost dispersed to the monolayers. The tensile strength of the EPDM–clay hybrid loading 4 wt% clay exhibited 2.0 times higher value compared to that of neat EPDM at 25 °C. The storage moduli (E′) of the EPDM–clay hybrid were also higher than that of neat EPDM. The gas permeability of EPDM–clay hybrid decreased 30% as compared with neat EPDM.