Ethylene/Acrylic Elastomers (AEM)-New Developments for Automotive Applications

Ethylene/acrylic elastomers (AEM) are used in automotive applications requiring resistance to service fluids over a broad temperature range. Developments are underway to modify AEM elastomers to extend their performance capabilities. Modifications are directed at enhancing low temperature flexibility, resistance to service fluids, and adhesion to reinforcing fibers without sacrificing existing performance characteristics. Other modifications are directed toward improved damping characteristics and the development of fast curing copolymers that can be formulated to eliminate the need for post cure. The results and status of these developments are reviewed.