Thermal properties of EPDM/NR blends

The thermal behaviour of EPDM/NR blends was studied by differential I;canni ng calorimetry over the temperature range 335-435 K. O'Neill's method (O'Ne ill MG. Anal Chem 1964;36:1238) was used for calculating the specific heat capacity with aluminia as standard. The presence of natural rubber induces a marked thermal instability because of the high content of double bonds. T he contribution of each component to the C-p of the tested polymer systems is discussed. The law of reciprocal affinity, the linear contribution of co mponents to the specific heat capacity is followed by EPDM/NR blends. The i nfluence of natural rubber on the thermal behaviour of tested mixtures was assessed by oxygen uptake method and the first derivative procedure reveals the sequence in thermal stability of ethylene-propylene-diene/natural rubb er compounds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.