Enhancing Mechanical and Gamma Shielding Properties of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber Filled With Recycled Nano-Tungsten Oxide

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 1-1-2025

Abstract

This study investigates the incorporation of recycled nano-tungsten oxide (WO3) into ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to enhance its mechanical properties and gamma shielding capabilities. Utilizing a conventional two-roll mill, EPDM composites filled with varying WO3 concentrations (0–20 parts per hundred rubber, phr) were prepared and analyzed. The mechanical test results revealed significant improvements in tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness, with optimal performance observed at 15 phr WO3. Gamma attenuation properties were assessed through theoretical and experimental methods, demonstrating enhanced shielding performance proportional to WO3 content, particularly at low to medium energy levels. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a uniform dispersion of WO3 at 15 phr, while rheometric analysis highlighted improvements in curing behavior and crosslinking density at this concentration. These findings underscore the potential of recycled nano-WO3 as a sustainable filler, providing a lead-free alternative for applications requiring enhanced mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Future work will explore the long-term durability and application-specific performance of these composites.

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