Dynamic Viscoelastic Properties of Silica-Filled Closed-Cell Microcellular Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Vulcanizates: Effect of Blowing Agent, Temperature and Strain

Dynamic mechanical analysis of silica-filled closed-cell microcellular EPDM vulcanizates has been studied as a function of temperature and DSA (double strain amplitude). Experiments were carried out over a temperature range of - 1000C to 200'C. Strain dependent isothermal dynamic mechanical analysis was performed for DSA 0.08% to 5%. The effect of blowing agent loading on the storage modulus (E') and loss tangent (tan 5) are found to have a complex nature. The viscoelastic behavior of silica-filled microcellular EPDM is similar to that of solid rubber vulcanizates.