| Summary: | This study focused on improving the ablation properties and mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends by using two different commercial fillers: sepiolite and silica. The results showed that sepiolite and silica similarly improved both properties in the loading range of interest (0–12.5 phr). However, sepiolite was superior than silica as using less loading to acheive comparable mechanical and thermal properties. The optimum loading of sepiolite was 5 phr, while that of silica was 10 phr. For both filler systems, the minimum ablation rate found was approximately 0.17 mm/s, and the tensile strength and the hardness of corresponding NR/EPDM composite were improved after modification with sepiolite or silica.Thus, the composite reinforced with sepiolite or silica is suitable for many applications, such as internal insulations of rocket motor.
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