Preparation and properties of EPDM/TiO2 composites

Composites of EPDM/TiO2 in which TiO2 particles were surface modified with gamma-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) and preultrasonically dispersed, and EPDM was grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) were successfully prepared. FTIR analysis showed that the modification of TiO2 and the grafting of EPDM had taken place. The uniform dispersion of TiO2 particles in EPDM matrix as well as good interfacial compatibility was observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The tensile strength and elongation at break were greatly improved and reached the maximum as the content of TiO2 in the composite reached 7.5% wt. The result of swell and solution test indicated that the composites were evidently crosslinked. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the decomposition temperature of the composite was increased about 20 degrees C. This work provides a potential way for crosslinking EPDM matrix with inorganic filler in a convenient method. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.