The effect of MWCNTs on the properties of peroxide vulcanized ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites

• Published in: Journal of composite materials 2023-05, Vol.57 (12), p.2043-2058
• Main Authors: Ketikis, P, Ketikis, I, Klonos, PA, Giannakopoulou, T, Kyritsis, A, Trapalis, C, Tarantili, PA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-9983; 1530-793X
• DOI: 10.1177/00219983231168700

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated in EPDM matrix in an internal mixer. Characterization of the prepared MWCNTs/EPDM composites using RAMAN spectroscopy reveals a minor deterioration of the CNTs’ structure, in terms of intensities ratio of D and G bands (ID/IG ratio), probably due to the intensive mixing conditions of internal mixer. The thermal stability of MWCNTs/EPDM composites was improved, as it was observed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, whereas the glass transition temperature (Tg) remained almost unaffected. In addition, MWCNTs/EPDM composites showed significant improvement in their modulus of elasticity and a decrease in swelling after immersion in benzene, in comparison with the pristine elastomer. The study of dielectric properties for MWCNT’s/EPDM nanocomposites determined the percolation threshold between 2 and 3 phr MWCNTs content. Enhancement in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of MWCNTs/EPDM composites was also recorded by the increase of filler content in the elastomeric matrix, with the reflectance being the main shielding mechanism. A slight increase in thermal diffusivity and conductivity was observed at EPDM composites with low MWCNTs content (1–5 phr) which became more significant at higher loads (8 & 10 phr).