Based on this study the following conclusions can
be drawn:
(1) The mechanical properties of silica ®lled epoxidized
natural rubber vulcanization have been
enhanced by the addition of MFA.
(2) At similar MFA concentration, semi-EV vulcanizates
give better tensile and tear strengths followed
by EV and CV vulcanizates.
(3) Incorporation of MFA in ENR compounds
reduced the scorch time, t2 and cure time, t90 compared
to the control compound. However at a similar
MFA concentration, the EV vulcanizates
showed the shortest t2 and t90 followed by the semiEV
and CV vulcanizates.
(4) The tear fracture surface of the control compound
exhibits a smooth tear path with loose ®ller
aggregates and vacuole formation whereas compounds
with MFA exhibit rough surfaces consisting
of curved tear paths.