The Influence of NBR on the Complex of Technological Properties of Binary Mixtures Based on EPDN

The paper studies the structural and physicochemical properties of binary polymer mixtures based on ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPDN) and nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) in order to improve their technological and thermal stability. A comprehensive analysis of the influence of composition and plasticization conditions on the processes of crosslinking, structure formation, and thermal-oxidative destruction was carried out. It was experimentally established that an increase in the proportion of NBR promotes the development of a spatial network due to radical reactions activated by double bonds and polar groups. Optimal viscosity, elasticity, and gel content are achieved with an EPDN to NBR ratio of 60 : 40. The results are confirmed by both spectral and rheological analyses as well as by calculating the degree of crosslinking using the Flory–Rehner equation. The work demonstrates the potential of targeted modification of EPDSN-containing compositions using reactive elastomers to create heat-resistant and durable polymeric materials.