Enhancing Hydrophobicity of EPR-Based Rubber Compounds via Fumed Silica and Sulfur/Peroxide Curing Systems

Annika S. S., Gözlü C., Öner K., Gül G., Doganci M.

JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY, cilt.31, sa.6, ss.1470-1483, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 31 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/vnl.22237
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1470-1483
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: contact angle, EPR, fumed silica, hydrophobicity, surface roughness
  • Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, the dual effect of fumed silica and conventional curing systems such as peroxide and sulfur on the hydrophobicity of ethylene-propylene-based rubber (EPR) compounds has been examined. A variety of silica samples in different amounts and two types of curing agents were used to determine the contribution to the hydrophobic character of EPR-based compounds. The mechanical and rheological properties, contact angle, and surface roughness were investigated. The compound containing 100 phr silica (530) gave the best result, having a contact angle of 133 degrees. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was performed to indicate the relationship between hydrophobic character and surface roughness. The results showed that the use of silica and the sulfur curing system significantly improved the contact angle, surface roughness, and tensile strength, whereas there is not much change in elongation at break and a slight change in hardness of the sulfur-cured compound compared to others. This work is novel for enhancing the hydrophobicity of EPR-based compounds with the dual effects of silica and the sulfur vulcanization system. The obtained hydrophobic rubber composites have practical applications in cable, textile, automotive, construction, coating industries, and greenhouses.