Use of ground EPDM wastes in EPDM-based rubber compounds: With and without compatibilization

Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM)-based ground wastes (W-EPDM) are reutilized as rubber matrix in plug material compounds for automotive applications. Production scraps of target product are ground to 35, 40 and 60 mesh in ambient conditions. Effect of particle size and the amount of W-EPDM is studied. A new trial product of maleated ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM) and bitumen are used to improve interphase adhesion of the waste and the virgin EPDM. Cure characteristics, physico-mechanical and aging properties of all compounds are determined. Micro structure of the vulcanizates is studied for explaining dispersion and interaction between different phases. Reutilization of W-EPDM causes some reasonable deterioration in cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the product. However, some systematic and alternative recipes for plug materials are suggested considering cost and environmental benefits.