# Synthesis of Monodisperse Mesoporous Carbon Spheres/EPDM Rubber Composites and Their Enhancement Mechanical Properties

## TL;DR

This paper explores how adding monodisperse mesoporous carbon spheres to EPDM rubber improves its mechanical strength, offering insights for high-performance composites.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel synthesis of mesoporous carbon spheres and reveals their enhancement mechanism in EPDM composites through simulation.

## Key findings

- MCS-40 composites achieved a tear strength of 210 N/m and tensile strength of 132.72 kPa.
- MCS pores allow EPDM molecular infiltration, enhancing filler-matrix interactions.
- Higher specific surface area of MCS increases molecular chain adsorption.

## Abstract

Monodisperse mesoporous carbon spheres (MCS) were synthesized and their potential applications in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foam were evaluated. The obtained MCS exhibited a high specific surface area ranging from 621-to 735 m2/g along with large pore sizes. It was observed that the incorporation of MCS into EPDM foam rubber significantly enhances its mechanical properties. The prepared MCS-40 rubber composites exhibit the highest tear strength of 210 N/m and tensile strength of 132.72 kPa, surpassing those of other samples. The enhancement mechanism was further investigated by employing computer simulation technology. The pores within the MCS allowed for the infiltration of EPDM molecular chains, thereby strengthening the interaction forces between the filler and matrix. Moreover, a higher specific surface area resulted in greater adsorption of molecular chains onto the surface of these carbon spheres. This research offers novel insights for understanding the enhancement mechanism of monodisperse mesoporous particles/polymer composites (MCS/EPDM) and highlights their potential application in high-performance rubber composites.