Use of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) in the Characterization of EPDM/PP Blends

New polyolefinic thermoplastic elastomers based on the ethylene–propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and polypropylene (PP) containing an EPDM elastomer of the last generation (Nordel NDR 47130), obtained by polymerization in the gaseous phase with metallocene catalysis, were prepared and characterized. The melting and crystallization behavior of these blends was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. It is observed that the melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and crystallinity degree increase with an increase of PP loading. The influence of the blend composition on the physico-mechanical characteristics was discussed using statistical processing of the experimental data. Two compatibilizing procedures were utilized to improve the physico-mechanical characteristics of the samples: an addition method using different compatibilizing agents and dynamical vulcanization with three types of crosslinking systems. Significant improvements of the tensile strength and tear strength were noted by dynamic crosslinking, and the best results were obtained using a crosslinking system based on phenolic resin and tin chloride.