Bio-EPDM/tungsten oxide nanocomposite foam with improved thermal storage and sea water resistance

Bio ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) produced with sugarcane-derived ethylene is an eco-friendly alternative material that can perform similarly to an oil-based synthetic rubber while reducing dependence on fossil resources. In this study, bio-EPDM/tungsten oxide nanocomposite was prepared to improve thermal insulation properties of bio-EPDM foam for application in highly functional eco-friendly diving wetsuits. The synthesized tungsten bronze nanorods (TBNRs) were doped with sodium and added to the bio-EPDM compound, then foam was generated by molding at 155 °C under a high-pressure. After foam molding, the effects of TBNRs on the sea water resistance as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of bio-EPDM foam were investigated. As a result, TBNRs remarkably improved the softness and photothermal properties of bio-EPDM foam without a significant reduction of their mechanical properties. Especially, the excellent dimensional stability of the bio-EPDM foam with TBNRs under the sea water circumstance highlights its superiority as a material for marine sports. Overall results indicate that the bio-EPDM foam material containing TBNRs at the optimum ratio can be fully utilized for the development of eco-friendly and high-performance wetsuit materials with excellent elasticity, flexibility, and thermal insulation properties.