Age resistant low density peroxide cured EPDM rubber insulation for large rocket motors

Novel methodology introduced to incorporate peroxide in the rubber matrix led to successful development of peroxide cured EPDM insulation based on precipitated silica, a conventional filler. Effect of Silica Filler on the physical, mechanical, thermal, ablative properties and thermal degradation of such an insulation has been recently published. As an outcome of above study, peroxide cured EPDM insulation with 25 PHR of Silica, has been promulgated as potential low density insulation meeting all the requirements of Large Rocket Motor, while having a density as low as 0.997 g/cm 3 and T g as low as −55°C. Effect of aging on mechanical, thermal properties and thermal degradation behavior of low density peroxide cured EPDM insulation has been studied and the findings have been corroborated by FTIR Spectroscopy and morphological Examination by SEM.