Optimization of tear resistance and compression set at rubber spring based on EPDM/NR alloy

 The rubber Springs with spong structure must have acceptable tear resistance in addition to desirable compression set. Usually enhancing each of these properties leads to the weakening of the other property.

 Simultaneously providing the optimum value of these two properties in the rubber spring compound requires consideration of the effective factors by performing several tests. Therefore, in this study, a test plan based on the Taguchi statistical analysis technique was presented to design the optimal formulation in exchange for reducing the number of tests required. Thus, the impact of four factors: weight percent of Natural rubber (NR), concentration of zinc oxide (ZnO), dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) on the ratio of tear resistance to compression set (design criterion, Q) was determined.

Data given of ANOVA showed that the amount of DCP with 66.93% has the highest influence on the design of the rubber spring compound. In addition, it was revealed that the curing system is a solution for the simultaneous optimization to maximum tear energy and minimum compression set of the compound. Statistical analysis predicted that the optimal formulation contained 60 weight percent of NR and 1, 4 and 2 phr of DCP, ZnO and EDMA, respectively. Experimental test results confirmed the predicted Q value for optimal conditions.