Physicochemical properties and flame retardancy of irradiated EPDM nanocomposites and possible application as insulating materials

This work aims to develop a new kind of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) to be utilized as insulator in electrical cables. This type was incorporated with Al(OH)₃, Al₂O₃, and graphene oxide (GO) to decrease the flammability of the rubber. Al₂O₃ nanoparticle was synthesized via Sol-Gel route. The produced nano Al₂O₃ powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction and FTIR absorption. The morphologies were studied using SEM and TEM. The characterization demonstrated that the particle size of the prepared Al₂O₃ a nano-spheres had an average diameter of 19–30 nm. Gamma radiation affected the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The incorporated rubber consisted of homogenous nanoparticles. Additionally, the samples flammability was examined utilizing limited oxygen index (L.O.I) and the effect of γ- radiation on the flammability was investigated. The analysis of the obtained values reveals that the additive materials will be incorporated with rubber. Also, the influence of γ- radiation on the mechanical and thermal behavior indicates that a little positive effect accompanied the γ- radiation of the samples. The evaluation of the prepared samples as flame retardant for rubber indicate that the value of L.O.I = 20.5 for native rubber and increased to 27.1 for the composite EPDM/Al(OH)₃/2%Al₂O₃/1% GO. This value candidates this composite to be used as insulator in the electrical cable because the addition of Al component and graphene restricted the spread of the flame and dispersed the smoke.

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