In this study, new composites were prepared from ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) that loaded with various
concentrations of short carbon fibers (SCFs) ranged from 5 up to 20 part per hundred part of rubber (phr). Aluminum
trihydroxide (ATH) was added by two concentrations, namely 10 and 30 phr to EPDM/SCFs composites to enhance its heat
shielding. Foaming agent, azodicarbonamide (ADC) was added to increase ablation resistance. Composites were prepared on
open rubber roll mills, and then the rubber composites were gamma ray irradiated at different doses of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150
kGy. Fiber incorporation into rubber matrix has been proven as a key factor in enhancing tensile strength and flame retardant
properties of fabricated composites. The prepared composites were characterized by using various analytical methods
counting physico-mechanical properties, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Ablation test (oxy acetylene test) and
propagation flame test. The utmost mechanical performance was reported for the incorporated 5 phr of carbon fiber into
EPDM at 100 kGy. Also, the flame retardancy and ablation properties for composites were enhanced by increasing addition of
carbon fibers and ATH in presence of ADC. |
