EPDM is the material of choice for automotive extruded profiles because of its excellent weathering and heat resistance, as well as its ability to accept large amounts of fillers and process oil. Extruded profiles provide insulation from water, vibration, and aerodynamic noises to maximize comfort at the interior of the car and their design has become increasingly complex as a response to light weighting trends, and improved aesthetics in the automotive industry. Improved performance with a competitive advantage requires polymer molecular architectures that facilitate mixing, provide shape retention, and enable both rapid extrusion and faster curing to maximize productivity.<br/><br/>Although Ziegler Natta (ZN) EPDM polymers have been traditionally used in this application, this paper discusses how EPDM produced with Advanced Molecular Catalysts tailor the molecular design and microstructure of the polymer to impart these properties in the context of a more sustainable process technology. In contrast to ZN EPDM polymers that sometimes exhibit high elasticity and very broad molecular weight distributions (MWD), Advanced Molecular Catalysts have enabled the access to new polymer architectures at a constant Mooney viscosity with minor changes in the MWD. Such distinct Mooney-molecular weight (MW) relationship versus the general understanding has profound implications because it implies that MWD, MW, and elasticity can, for practical purposes, be individually tailored.

Tailored EPDM architecture for automotive extruded profiles

2019 Spring National Meeting

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