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Abstract
Novel NR/EPM Blends
Vulcanisation of the NR
phase of a NR/EPM blend during mixing is effected by using a very active accelerated-sulphur
cure system. The crosslinking of the NR phase, albeit at a low level, results
in a change in the blend rheology. A change in the blend morphology accompanies
this process; the EPM is a disperse phase within a NR matrix in the control blend
but is present as part of a co-continuous blend morphology in the dynamically
vulcanised blend. The size of the domains of both polymers is also reduced in
the dynamically vulcanised blend. When properly compounded with clay and oil,
the dynamically vulcanised blends are readily processed, scoring 13+ in
extrusion through a Garvey die. The properties of vulcanisates derived from
these blends are generally good.

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