摘要：

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers also known as dynamically vulcanized alloys (DVA) are typically made up of a uniform dispersion of cross-linked rubber phase in a plastic matrix that serves as the continuous phase.  Such an alloy enables the production of elastomers that can be processed and recycled like plastics while retaining the elastomeric properties of thermoset rubber.  One such alloy that is most widely used consists of cross-linked Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM) as the rubber phase and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as the plastic phase.  The EPDM that is typically employed is a very high molecular weight (MW) polymer extended with high levels (40-50%) of oil.  Lowering the polymer MW and the concomitant level of oil leads to inferior DVA properties.  An objective of this study is to develop an alternate EPDM lower in MW with lower levels of oil extension and improved properties when converted to a DVA. The polymer structure and the properties of the DVA produced are presented.  Potential reasons for the improved DVA properties observed are discussed.

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 个人简介：

    Maria D. Ellul received her B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from The University of Malta in 1977, a M.Sc. degree in Polymer Science from The Polytechnic of North London in 1979 and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from The University of Akron in 1984 under Prof. Alan N. Gent.

   She was employed at Dowty Seals Ltd., from 1977 to 1981 and at GenCorp/General Tire - Continental A.G., from 1984-1991. During her early industrial career, she worked in rubber chemistry and technology of seals and tires.  Her research interests included adhesion, fracture mechanics and vulcanization of elastomers. In 1991, Maria began work at Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., a former joint venture of Exxon Chemical Co. and now ExxonMobil Chemical Co.  During her tenure at ExxonMobil, she has made numerous seminal contributions to both fundamental and applied research in elastic materials based on polyolefins.  Her research focuses on the chemistry and physics of polymer blends, including block / graft copolymers; and dynamic vulcanization to control morphology and rheology. Maria is the inventor/ (co-inventor) of over 40 US patents which have led to a number of commercial products, and she has been recognized as Distinguished Corporate Inventor by the American Society of Patent Holders. She has published approximately 50 papers in her career. Maria is presently Principal Scientist and Technology Leader at ExxonMobil Chemical Co.  She has been serving as Associate Editor for Rubber Chemistry & Technology journal for over 20 years.
   Maria has been a member of the American Chemical Society, (ACS) and its Rubber Division since 1985 and is the recipient of the "Sparks Thomas Award” (1997) - (ACS); the “Woman of the Year Award” (1998) - Ohio Women’s History Project; the “Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award” (2005) - ACS Rubber Division and the “Outstanding Alumni Award” (2010) - The University of Akron. She is married to Jeffrey Sain. They have 2 daughters; Victoria & Elizabeth.