The influence of mineral processing oils on the peroxide curing efficiencyof EPDM

A set of processing oils, widely varying with respect to viscosity and chem ical composition, was evaluated in different EPDM peroxide cure application s, such as black and non-black window gaskets and radiator hose compound fo rmulations. Significant linear correlations between oil characteristics and material properties were obtained, thus allowing for the optimisation of t he oil quality with respect to price and performance. It was found that equal or even better price/performance ratios can be obta ined by replacing a standard paraffinic oil with a technical white oil, in spite of the higher cost of the latter. A lower amount of peroxide curative s is required for obtaining a similar vulcanisate performance. The concept was tested and proven to be successful on an industrial scale.