Preparation and characterization of composites: EPDM‐g‐AA/CaCO₃

Abstract In this study a new method was applied to form crosslinking networks in the ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM) matrix with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) particles, which were chemically treated with acrylic acid (AA). The tensile test showed that the tensile strength and the elongation at break of the composites were improved significantly, and that when the content of CaCO₃ was about 20 wt% in the composites the maximum tensile properties were achieved. The results of swell and solution tests showed that the composites had an evident crosslinking structure. The results of ATR‐FTIR spectrum proved that the acid–base reaction between CaCO₃ and AA had occurred. The SEM photos show that an interfacial adhesion between CaCO₃ and copolymer was good. The TGA curves show that the composites had a new change in mass between 650°C and 750°C, which might be the decomposition temperature of calcium acrylic acid. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:587–592, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers