EVM/HNBR Elastomer Blends for Automotive Applications

Hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) compounds provide excellent mechanical properties, as well as heat, oil and fluid resistance in many demanding automotive applications. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM) compounds possess excellent compression set, heat resistance and processability. The unique blend combination of HNBR and EVM results in elastomeric compounds which exhibit good processability and desired compound properties to meet automotive sealing requirements. In fact, blends of HNBR and EVM may be considered for use in applications that require automatic transmission fluid (ATF) resistance. The present work will concentrate on comparing EVM/HNBR key compound properties (processing, unaged physicals, low temperature, hot air and fluid aging) to those of an ethylene-acrylic based compound.