Evaluation of the Effect of Polymeric Compounds as Compatibilizers for NR/EPDM Blend

The degree of compatibility of NR/EPDM blend can be improved by the use of specially selected polymeric compounds. Acrylonitrile and N-(4-chlorophenyl) acrylamide were homopolymerized and then copolymerized. The two homopolymers and the copolymer were incorporated each into the noncompatible blend system (50/50) NR/EPDM as compatibilizers. The effects of these compounds on the compatibility of both rubbers were evaluated by ultrasonic, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheometric techniques. The results obtained were compared with those of a reference blend. It was found that a fairly good compatibility had been achieved using polyacrylonitrile.