Strategies to improve the mechanical performance of elastomers using ternary blends: A review

Abstract

Elastomeric composite materials are one of the key engineering materials which find a wide range of applications in structural, industrial, domestic and marine applications. This recent review discusses about the mostly used elastomers namely NR/CR/SBR/EPDM and their blends/composites mainly ternary blends used to fabricate different industrial/marine structural elements. Furthermore, this review also discusses the significance of natural rubber as an essential component when synthesized with ternary blend combinations, presenting a synergistic effect that transcends the capabilities/properties of its synthetic counterparts. From the design and service point of view these elastomeric components should ensure robustness against harsh environmental factors such as mechanical stresses, thermal stresses, rapid gas pressurized decompression, salinity, exposure to ionizing radiation, oxidation and ozonisation, chemical and marine environment etc. Hence in this review paper studies related to these elastomers and their blends/composites are discussed in detail based on the synthesis of blends, classification, mechanical properties, methods of degradation due to different factors and their protection.

Keywords

• elastomers
• Rubber
• Tire
• Marine
• Blending
• Vulcanization