| abstract |
The invention relates to a crosslinked composition containing in parts by weight: 20 to 100 parts of at least one elastomer (I), 2 to 50 parts of at least one core/shell copolymer (II), and 0 to 100 parts of at least one thermoplastic polymer (III). The invention also relates to a method of producing one such crosslinked composition, which is characterised in that it consists in: mixing an elastomer and a core/shell copolymer optionally in the presence of a grafted polyolefin, a plasticiser, fillers and/or additives and a suitably-selected crosslinking system; and subsequently crosslinking said mixture at a suitable temperature. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture is crosslinked at a temperature of between 150 and 320 °C. The inventive method can be carried out in an internal mixer or, alternatively, in a twin screw extruder or a BUSS®-type co-kneader. Depending on the case, the resulting mass is calendered or extruded, cooled and subsequently granulated. The granules thus obtained are then ready to be transformed, by means of heating, into sheets, plates, profiles, tubes or other products. The invention further relates to the use of one such composition in the production of ducts, tubes, pipes, tubing, couplers or similar for conveying fluids, such as the fluid transfer conduits, pipes and other elements which are used in the automobile industry in braking, cooling, steering and air-conditioning systems. The inventive crosslinked composition can also be used in the production of belts, tyres, electric cable sheaths and shoe soles. |