Abstract: We investigated changes in cure characteristics and physical properties of the blends with various contents of recycled materials after virgin EPDM rubber was blended with recycled EPDM rubber using microwave surface treating technique. We examined thermal resistance, anti-freezing resistance, compression set, ozone test and surface dispersion conditions of the blends. Various kinds of physical properties were measured after virgin EPDM rubber was blended with 0~50 phr of recycled EPDM. As a result, the proper blend ratio of recycled rubber was determined to be 25 phr. When the blending ratio is above 50 phr, the dispersion of recycled rubber was decreased and thus the changes of all physical properties greatly increased.

Keywords: EPDM, Microwave, Surface treatment, Recycled rubber, Blend material.