Development of elastomer blends for specific defence application

Several aspects of butyl (CIIR)-polychloroprene (CR) rubber blends viz (i) phase morphology evolution with respect to varied blend ratios and the effect of compatibilizer, (ii) processing characteristics, (iii) vapour impermeability and flame retardancy, (iv) mechanical properties, (v) ageing characteristics and (vi) the effect of addition of fillers into these blends have been studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used as a tool to investigate the phase morphology and also the failure mechanism. Blends based on CR and CIIR are likely to be important to Defence services for developing several rubber products with the above properties and characteristics.