Functionalization of ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer via the alder ene reaction

Abstract An ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (EPDM), containing 5 wt% 5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene, was functionalized with maleic anhydride through the Alder Ene reaction at temperatures above 200°C in a co‐rotating twin screw extruder. Characterization of the maleated product included FT‐IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR, and GPC. The degree of functionalization was determined by infrared analysis and by the mechanical properties of an ionic network formed …