Constituent compatibility and physical properties of bio-based EUG/EPDM blends

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends were prepared using EUG with high and low molecular weight, respectively, and their physical properties and constituents compatibility were investigated. The blend exhibited superior physical properties and constituents compatibility when EUG with high molecular weight occupied 10 wt%. When its content increased further, the physical properties deteriorated gradually，the results of SEM, DSC, and DMA diagrams indicated poorer constituents compatibility. The blends prepared from EUG with low molecular weight can achieve better compatibility in a comprehensive range of blending ratio. When the EUG content was 20 wt%, the maximum tensile strength of the blend was observed, which was 49.9% higher than that of pure EPDM, its rebound resilience ascended by 5%, and the wear resistance remained nearly unchanged.