Thermal Characterization of an EPDM/IIR Rubber Blend using TG/DTG Analysis

Thermal Characterization of an EPDM/IIR rubber blend was performed using TG/DTG analysis. While TGA thermograms of a virgin EPDM and IIR showed their own characteristic thermal decomposition curves, that of an EPDM/IIR blend sample showed a characteristic curve, exhibiting both decomposition characteristics of EPDM and IIR. This finding was more clarified from DTG analysis obtained by differentiation of TGA thermograms, being exhibited as two distinct shifted-peaks. Degrees of peak-shift () compared to their original positions were for IIR and for EPDM, respectively. From these facts, thermal stability of EPDM is considered comparatively better than IIR, and moreover, it can be an evidence for the characteristics of a partial compatibility between EPDM and IIR. It is noteworthy that, if we prepare in advance a calibration curve for the composition about EPDM/IIR blend, it may be possible to analyze quantitatively an EPDM/IIR blend, using comparatively simple TGA experiments as in the present work.