Characteristics of SBR, Neoprene and EPDM compounds in a single-pass pendulum scratch

In this study, the effect of carbon black on the scratch and deformation characteristics of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), polychloroprene (Neoprene) and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) were evaluated using single-pass pendulum scratch technique. The introduction of carbon black as a reinforcing agent tends to impart better scratch resistance characteristics to all rubber compounds except EPDM. The scratch mode was observed to change from brittle to ductile. The energy lost, average frictional force, scratch resistance and scratch damage response were found to be greatly influenced by scratch load and release angle of the pendulum.

► Carbon black increases the scratch resistance of SBR and EPDM but not EPDM.
► Improvement is due to the increase in stiffness and hardness.
► Carbon black causes the scratching behavior to change from brittle to ductile.