Preparation and characterization of ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer rubber/metal hydroxide composites by electron beam irradiation

Abstract Ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) rubber has widespread uses in various applications due to its ozone and oxidation stability, weatherability, electrical insulation, and elasticity. However, its further use is limited by low flame retardancy and low thermal stability. This study incorporated metal hydroxide flame retardant to enhance flame retardancy and electron beam cross‐linking to simultaneously enhance mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame retardancy. The utilization of electron beam irradiation resulted in an increase in gel content and a decrease in swelling ratio with increasing absorbed doses, indicating the successful formation of cross‐linked network structures. The hot‐set elongation was significantly reduced to 0.6%–0.8%, while the decomposition temperature increased with increasing absorbed doses, indicating improved thermal stability. The results from limiting oxygen index measurements and burning tests demonstrate that the flame retardancy of EPDM was improved by the combined effect of metal hydroxide flame retardant and electron beam cross‐linking. Highlights EPDM/metal hydroxide composites were prepared via electron beam irradiation. Metal hydroxide flame retardants were incorporated to enhance flame retardancy. EBI simultaneously enhanced mechanical property and thermal stability.