Wear-resistant EPDM/silicone rubber foam materials

Foam materials were prepared by compression molding of ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM) with addition of silicone rubber (SR) using azodicarbonamide as a foaming agent. The effects of SR concentrations on the microstructures, wear resistance, and mechanical properties of the foam composites were investigated. The purpose of this study was to develop a light foam material with good abrasion resistance for advanced engineering applications. As a result, the wear resistance of EPDM foam was dramatically improved. And the structural, curing, rheological, and mechanical properties of the fabricated composites were significant influenced with the progressive addition of SR content in the rubber matrix.