Characterization of Ethylene–propylene Composites Filled with Perlite and Vermiculite Minerals: Mechanical, Barrier, and Flammability Properties

Perlite and vermiculite are naturally occurring minerals, commonly used by industry to obtain highly thermoisolative and/or non-flammable materials. However, there has been little research into the preparation and application of rubber compounds containing these inexpensive mineral fillers. Here, we show the benefits of perlite and vermiculite minerals as fillers for ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM) composites. To obtain more uniform dispersion and improved compatibility between the minerals and the elastomer matrix, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (AMIMTFSI) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMIMTFSI) imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) were added. The mineral fillers were found to be attractive semi-reinforcing fillers, which also act as flame retardants in the elastomer composites. Furthermore, a higher content of vermiculite mineral significantly reduced the air permeability of the composites. The incorporation of ionic liquids into the EPM-filled systems had a considerable effect on the torque increment, crosslink density, and more importantly the flammability of the studied compounds. The application of 2.5 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr) BMIMTFSI, in particular, reduced the flammability of the EPM composite, as the maximum heat release rate (HRR(max)) decreased from 189.7 kW/m(2) to 170.2 kW/m(2).