Cancarb Technical Bulletin Describes Thermax® Benefits in EPDM Sponge
November 4, 2025
Cancarb Limited has published a Technical Bulletin that shows how formulating EPDM sponge rubber compounds with Thermax® N990 reduces mixing power consumption and improves elongation while maintaining physical properties and achieving an excellent surface finish. Thermax® N990 is a medium thermal carbon black that’s used as a high-performance filler and processing aid.
The study compared 15 ingredients, including Thermax® N990 as a replacement for furnace grade carbon black at a ratio of 2.3 to 1. Akron Rubber Development Laboratories (ARDL) performed the compounding and testing at its facility in Barberton, Ohio. EPDM sponge is a material of choice in low-density automotive profiles for door, trunk, and hood seals.
Tests and Test Results
The study measured the following:
- Mixing power consumption
- Mooney viscosity
- Scorch time
- Durometer (Type OO)
- Stress at 50% and 100% of strain
- Tensile strength
- Elongation at break
- Density
- Compression deflection
- Compression set
The data is presented in bar charts for three furnace black/Thermax® N990 loadings:
- 100/0
- 75/58
- 50/117
There are also photos of Garvey Die extrudates and cells with various loadings.
Additional Information
RDAbbott represents Cancarb products in the United States and Canada and is the exclusive distributor for Thermax® brand medium thermal carbon black in Mexico. For more information about these functional fillers, contact RDAbbott today.
