Halogenated polyethylene and ethylene polymer blends

Abstract

The rubber composition has a blend of ethylene polymers, in particular halogenated and non-halogenated ethylene polymers. The composition has halogenated ethylene in an amount of from 25 to 50% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the unhalogenated ethylene polymer is an ethylene acrylic elastomer. The composition may include an organic peroxide or other accelerator. The rubber composition may be used in a synchronous belt having medium to high temperature resistance, good fuel resistance, flexibility as low as-40 DEG C, and high structural integrity. In addition, the rubber composition allows for a reduction in the amount of fossil fuel-derived reinforcing material (e.g., carbon black).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to compositions, in particular rubber compositions, for use in flexible belts, such as timing belts, having medium to high temperature resistance, good oil resistance, flexibility down to -40°C, and high structural integrity. Background Art

[0002] HNBR (a halogenated form of NBR rubber) is a synthetic rubber with very good temperature resistance and excellent oil resistance, and it is widely used in timing belt compounds to meet application requirements.

[0003] Alternative materials that meet the timing belt application requirements, including temperature resistance and oil resistance, are desirable. Summary of the invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the following detailed description. This summary and the above background technology are not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. In addition, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a rubber composition of a polymer blend with an ethylene terpolymer, and more particularly to a composition comprising a halogenated polyethylene. The composition has a halogenated polyethylene accounting for 25-50% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the halogenated polyethylene is a chlorinated polyethylene rubber. In some embodiments, the ethylene polymer is an ethylene acrylic elastomer. In some other embodiments, the ethylene polymer is an EPDM rubber (a well-known rubber made of ethylene, propylene and diene comonomers that is cross-linked via sulfur vulcanization). The composition may include an organic peroxide or other accelerator.

[0006] The rubber composition can be used for timing belts having medium to high temperature resistance, good oil resistance, flexibility down to -40°C and high structural integrity. In addition, the rubber composition allows the amount of reinforcing material (such as carbon black) to be reduced while maintaining the properties required of timing belts.

[0007] These and other aspects of the technology described herein will be apparent after considering the detailed description and drawings herein. However, it is understood that the scope of the claimed subject matter should be determined by the issued claims and not by whether the given subject matter solves any or all of the problems pointed out in the background technology or includes any features or aspects recorded in the summary of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosed technology, including preferred embodiments, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example tape made using the composition of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] As indicated, the present disclosure relates to rubber compositions having polymer blends of at least two ethylene polymers, one of which is a halogenated polyethylene, and particularly to compositions having 25 to 50 weight percent of the total blend of halogenated ethylene polymers (e.g., polyethylene rubber) and 10 to 30 weight percent of the total blend of ethylene polymers, with the remainder being ingredients such as activators, fillers, curing agents, reinforcing materials, antidegradants (e.g., antioxidants, UV stabilizers), plasticizers, antistatic agents, colorants, processing aids, homogenizers, coagents, catalysts, and the like.

[0011] The composition may be organic peroxide cured or accelerator cured. The cured composition may have a minimum Mooney viscosity of less than 60 MU when tested at 133°C. The composition has excellent bond strength, with a tensile strength greater than 18 MPa and temperature resistance up to 135°C while maintaining physical properties. The cured composition has a volume expansion of less than 20% in IRM 901 oil for 168 hours at 135°C; thus the composition has good oil resistance at high temperatures. In addition, the cured composition remains flexible at -35°C.

[0012] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, and at least one specific embodiment is illustrated therein by describing. The following description provides additional specific embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the invention. It is understood that other embodiments are considered, and other embodiments may be performed without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following specific embodiments are not to be construed as restrictive. Although the present disclosure is not so limited, by discussing the examples (including the accompanying drawings) provided below, an understanding of various aspects of the disclosure will be obtained. In some cases, a reference numeral may have an associated sub-label consisting of lowercase letters to represent one of a plurality of similar components. When a reference numeral is referenced without specifying a sub-label, the mark is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a rubber composition of a polymer blend with at least two ethylene polymers, wherein one of the polymers is halogenated ethylene; in particular, the composition has a halogenated ethylene rubber accounting for 25 to 50 weight %, in some embodiments 30 to 40 weight % of the total blend and an unhalogenated ethylene polymer accounting for 10 to 30 weight % of the total composition, wherein the combination of the halogenated ethylene polymer and the unhalogenated ethylene polymer forms 30 to 75 weight %, in some embodiments 40 to 70 weight % of the total composition. Chlorinated polyethylene rubber is an example of a suitable halogenated ethylene polymer. The example of a suitable unhalogenated ethylene polymer includes EPDM rubber (which is a known rubber made of ethylene, propylene and diene comonomers crosslinked via sulfur vulcanization) and ethylene acrylic polymers or elastomers. In some embodiments, the composition includes an organic peroxide or other accelerator to help solidify. Also in some embodiments, the composition includes a non-conjugated diene accounting for less than 15 weight % of the weight of the ethylene polymer.

[0014] The rubber composition is well suited for use in timing belts for automotive and industrial applications because the cured composition has moderate to high temperature resistance, good oil resistance, flexibility down to -40°C, and high structural integrity.

[0015] Figure 1 A universal belt 100 is shown having a body 102 formed of a flexible material, the body 102 having a rear side 104 and a front side 106, wherein the body 102 has a plurality of load-bearing cables 108, the particular cables 108 being bundled in three bundles, but in other embodiments the cables 108 may be single cables or bundled in other ways. The cables 108 may be, for example, carbon cables, polymer cables (e.g., polyester, aramid), fiberglass cables, etc. Defined in the front side 106 are a plurality of teeth 110; Figure 1 Although trapezoidal teeth are described in this embodiment, the tooth shape is not limited thereto and may take any shape compatible with sprocket teeth, gears, or other toothed wheels. Each individual tooth 110 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the belt 100, so that multiple teeth 110 run along or around the length of the belt 100. In use, the teeth 110 on the front side 106 contact a drive mechanism (e.g., a toothed gear or sprocket teeth). Although Figure 1 It is not visible in the figure, but the belt 100 is an endless belt, having the form of a loop, with no beginning and no end.

[0016] The resulting blend composition of halogenated and non-halogenated ethylene polymers has a desired balance of temperature and aging resistance, ozone resistance, and solvent resistance. The composition is also sufficiently flexible at temperatures as low as -40°C, which is a general requirement for timing belts for automotive and industrial applications. The composition also exhibits excellent adhesion when compounded with the selected adhesive.

[0017] Halogenated ethylene polymers may include, for example, chlorine (chlorinated), fluorine (fluorinated) and / or bromine (brominated). Examples of suitable halogenated ethylene polymers include chlorinated polyethylene rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (EDTFE) and polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).

[0018] Unhalogenated ethylene polymers suitable for blending with halogenated ethylene include ethylene acrylic elastomers, EPDM, ethylene propylene elastomer (EPM), ethylene butene (EBM), ethylene pentene, and ethylene octene (EOM).

[0019] The selection of polymer grade (grade) affects the blending compound flow characteristics.Due to poor flow and therefore poor belt tooth formation, it is not desirable to have a high molecular grade with a higher Mooney viscosity for the synchronous belt of automotive applications, but the final cured material (such as vulcanized rubber) has excellent physical properties (such as tensile strength, modulus and elongation).On the other hand, low molecular weight grades promote flow, but the vulcanized rubber of blending may not have enough physical strengths.There are many commercially available ethylene polymers, which are halogenated and non-halogenated grades, with different molecular weights (such as Mw and Mn).These can be characterized by the Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4, at 100 ℃) of the polymer of 30-90MU by scope.

[0020] The amount of ethylene polymer (both halogenated and unhalogenated ethylene polymers) is 30 wt%-75 wt% of the total weight of the original ingredients forming the uncured blend composition, wherein the halogenated ethylene polymer is 25 to 50 wt% of the total and the unhalogenated ethylene polymer is 10 to 30 wt% of the total. In some embodiments, the ethylene polymer is about 40 wt%-70 wt% of the total weight of the original ingredients, and about 45-60 wt% in other embodiments.

[0021] The weight ratio of halogenated ethylene to unhalogenated ethylene is from 3:1 to 1:1; in some embodiments, the halogenated and unhalogenated are present in a weight ratio of about 2:1.

[0022] EPDM is a terpolymer of ethylene and propylene with a saturated polymer backbone and a saturated non-conjugated diene monomer and ethylene-propylene copolymer. Examples of diene monomers present in EPDM are dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), ethylidene norbornene (ENB), 1,4 hexadiene and methylene norbornene.

[0023] EPDM is typically about 30% to about 80% by weight ethylene and about 0% to about 15% non-conjugated diene. Typically, the diene content can be confirmed by an iodine value of about 5 to about 30. The Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 at 125°C) is typically about 40 to about 100 MU. Above 70% by weight ethylene, EPDM polymers exhibit crystalline characteristics.

[0024] In addition to the halogenated polyethylene polymer (rubber) and the unhalogenated ethylene polymer, the blend composition may also include additional rubber raw materials, including but not limited to styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) and fluoroelastomers (such as FKM).

[0025] The rubber stock (halogenated polyethylene, non-halogenated polyethylene, and any other) is typically in the form of a solid powder, pellets, bales, or blocks, but may be liquid or semi-solid in some embodiments.

[0026] As noted above, the blend composition may include an organic peroxide or other accelerator to promote the curing of the blend composition. Various types of organic peroxides may be used together with the blend composition. The organic peroxide undergoes decomposition at a certain temperature and produces free radicals that initiate a crosslinking reaction in the compound. A specific example of an organic peroxide for use with polyethylene is α, α-bis(tert-butylperoxy)diisopropylbenzene. In some embodiments, the total amount of the organic peroxide is less than about 3% by weight of the original component, and in other embodiments is less than about 2.5% by weight of the original component.

[0027] Due to the formation of CC crosslinks between polymer chains, polymer compositions cured using organic peroxides exhibit higher heat resistance. In contrast, sulfur-cured polymers form CSC or C-(S)xC bonds. The formation of single sulfur bonds (i.e., CS) or polysulfide bonds (i.e., SS) results in poor heat resistance of the polymer. The CC bond energy (346 k J / mol) is higher than both the CS bond energy (272 kJ / mol) and the SS bond energy (226 k J / mol); this is reflected in the higher temperature resistance of peroxide-cured vulcanizates.

[0028] The blended composition may include various additives such as activators, fillers, curing agents, reinforcing materials, antidegradants (e.g., antioxidants, UV stabilizers), plasticizers, antistatic agents, colorants, processing aids, homogenizers, coagents, catalysts, etc. Typically, the total weight percent of additives is less than 75 weight percent of the original ingredients of the total composition, in some embodiments less than 65 weight percent or less than 50 weight percent.

[0029] Examples of activators include stearic acid and zinc oxide.

[0030] Stearic acid is commonly solid and available as flakes or pellets with a specific gravity of about 0.85. Stearic acid typically includes an amount of iodine not greater than 10% by weight. The acid number ranges between 193 and 213. Zinc oxide is also solid, for example with a surface area of ​​4-6 m 2 / g and a fine powder with a specific gravity of 5.6. The zinc oxide may have some impurities therein; for example, CuO <0.0005 wt%, MnO <0.0005 wt%, SiO2 <0.02 wt%, and / or water-soluble salts <0.05 wt%. In some embodiments, the total amount of activator is less than about 5 wt% of the original ingredients, and in some embodiments, less than about 3 wt%. Long chain fatty (LCF) acids can be used as homogenizers and, when combined with zinc oxide, can act as activators.

[0031] Any suitable curing agent or material may be used, as well as agents that promote or assist during curing. Suitable example curing agents include sulfur and peroxides. In some embodiments, the amount of curing agent used is less than about 8% by weight of the total weight of the original ingredients, such as less than 5% by weight.

[0032] Silica may be added to provide greater tensile strength, higher modulus, reduced compression set and improved wear resistance to the blended composition. Silica is typically a solid, such as a powder, and may be treated or untreated. The surface area of ​​​​silica is typically 120-200m 2 / g. The specific gravity of the treated silica with 5-8 wt% organosilane treatment is 1.9-2.0. The volatile content of this example silica is 3-5% and the pH is between 6-8. The organosilane is a trialkoxysilane type. As such, the treated silica material has low moisture absorption and significantly low volatile formation during mixing and processing. In some embodiments, the total amount of silica is about 10 to 35 wt% of the original ingredients.

[0033] Carbon black and / or graphite may be used as fillers in the rubber compound.Examples of other fillers include metal oxides such as aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide, clay, montmorillonite clay, pulp, and mica.

[0034] The raw materials of the blend composition may include reinforcement materials, such as chopped fiber segments, although other reinforcement materials such as elongated segments, fibers or nanotubes may also be used. The reinforcement materials (whether chopped or elongated) may be, for example, aramid, polyester (PET), cotton, nylon, glass, carbon fiber ropes, hybrid ropes, metals, ceramics and other plastics. The reinforcement materials may be made of organic or synthetic materials, or a mixture of organic and synthetic materials.

[0035] The size of the reinforcing material is generally unlimited. In some embodiments, the chopped fibers have a high aspect ratio and a length in the range of 0.2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the reinforcing material (e.g., chopped fibers or elongated materials) is 10 to 250. In some embodiments, the amount of the reinforcing material is 5% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the original component. The reinforcing material is mixed with the original component, and the resulting tape has the reinforcing material uniformly dispersed throughout the blended composition.

[0036] In some embodiments, the amount of filler (including any silica, carbon black or carbon reinforced fiber) is 5% by weight to 45% by weight of the total weight of the original component, while in other embodiments the filler is about 10% by weight to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the original component. The polymer blend of ethylene polymer allows the amount of carbon reinforced fiber or other carbon to be reduced and the amount of other fillers to be increased while still obtaining acceptable properties for the synchronous belt. In some embodiments, the ratio of silica to reinforced carbon is 5:1 to 3:1, for example, about 4:1.

[0037] In general, polymers undergo degradation when exposed to different types of environmental factors, including oxygen, heat / temperature, UV light, climate, catalytic degradation due to heavy metal ions, dynamic fatigue, etc. Failures observed in rubber compounds due to environmental degradation include loss of elasticity and tensile strength, formation of cracked surfaces and the appearance of cracks. The presence of unsaturation in polymers can increase the tendency to fail due to thermal aging, due to allyl CH bonds in the unsaturated chemical structure. The bond energy of allyl CH is the weakest among the different types of CH bonds (primary, secondary, tertiary). In the presence of oxygen and heat, this factor promotes the formation of free radicals and peroxy radicals and causes chain scission. Once the polymer backbone breaks, the compound begins to lose its physical and mechanical strength and begins to degrade. Antioxidants act as free radical scavengers; they scavenge free radicals to terminate polymer chain scission and enhance the service life of the resulting product.

[0038] An antioxidant that can be used in rubber compounds is a polymeric quinoline derivative, 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline. Another antioxidant is a condensate of an alkylated imidazole and a diarylamine or ketone, and another is a condensate of mercaptobenzimidazole and diphenylamine / acetone; these are strong non-staining antioxidants for natural and synthetic rubbers and provide excellent temperature and flex protection at elevated temperatures.

[0039] Plasticizers may be added to elastomeric compounds for various reasons such as to increase softness or flexibility, lower the glass transition temperature, reduce crystallization, improve dispersion, or lower the cost of the compound. Common plasticizers used in elastomeric compounds are mineral oils and esters such as phthalates, sebacates, and adipates.

[0040] Dialkyl esters and dioctyl adipate (DOA) are highly efficient plasticizers that can be used to impart excellent low temperature flexibility and impact resistance to the resulting compound. In addition to their high efficiency and contribution to low temperature properties, they are also chemically stable and resistant to discoloration upon prolonged exposure to temperature and UV light. The combination of low viscosity and efficiency provides excellent dry blending and processing characteristics.

[0041] Microcrystalline wax can be added as a physical antiozonant. Polymer chains containing double bonds are susceptible to ozonolysis reactions and chain scission in the presence of ozone. Microcrystalline wax provides a shield or barrier over the compound and protects it from degradation due to chain scission.

[0042] Modified resorcinol, which is a resorcinol formaldehyde homopolymer resin modified with selected groups, can be used as a precondensed dry binder; chemically, it is a resorcinol formaldehyde homopolymer resin modified with selected groups. The modified resorcinol promotes adhesion of the blended composition.

[0043] Metal acrylates / salts (e.g. zinc dimethacrylate) can be used to promote the physical and mechanical properties of the compound and act as a co-agent. In the presence of an organic peroxide, the metallic co-agent forms ionic bonds and improves the tear strength, modulus and flex resistance of the compound.

[0044] Modified polybutadiene (with maleic anhydride) can be used as an adhesion promoter in peroxide cured vulcanizates. Chemically, it is a low molecular weight, low vinyl butadiene functionalized with maleic anhydride. The anhydride functional group can react with epoxy, amine and hydroxyl groups, thereby enabling the creation of unique adhesives, sealants, encapsulants and coatings. It also improves the compatibility of non-polar elastomers (e.g. EPDM) and enhances the adhesion of peroxide cured elastomers to polyester, aramid or metal substrates.

[0045] Substituted phenol derivatives (e.g. 2,6-di-tert-butyl-N,N-dimethylamino-P-cresol) can be used as scorch inhibitors for peroxide cured systems. It initially forms adducts to trap free radicals from the peroxide and affects the processing and flow time of the compound.

[0046] The above elastomer (ethylene polymer) and any other ingredients can be blended by conventional rubber blending methods. In some embodiments, industrial mixers (such as Banbury mixers) are usually used to mix, to mix all the original ingredients together; However, other mixing techniques and methods can be used. For example, roller mills and internal mixers can be used. In some embodiments, each original ingredient is added to the mixer in a specific order to ensure the full incorporation and dispersion of the original ingredients. In some embodiments, some original ingredients can be mixed together before being added to the mixer in order.

[0047] Table 1 provides example ingredient ranges for blend compositions according to the present disclosure.

[0048] Table 1

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] For the ingredients provided above, the specific gravity of semi-enhanced black is 1.8, the DBP absorption is 30-48CC / 100g, the iodine absorption is 6-12mg / g, the maximum heat loss is 1%, the sieve residue in 325 mesh is 0.1%, the ash content is less than 0.5% and the pellet hardness is 30g.

[0052] The specific gravity of precipitated silica is 2.0 and it appears as a fine white odorless powder. The BET surface area of ​​silica is between 130 and 200 m 2 / g. Drying loss (105°C, 2 hours) is between 3-7%. Ignition loss is a maximum of 6% on an anhydrous basis (1000°C, 2 hours). The pH of the 5% water slurry is in the range of 6-8, SiO2, hydrate % is a minimum of 87%, and the DBP absorption value is between 200-280 mL for 100 g.

[0053] The specific gravity of the treated silica is 1.9-2.0. The trialkoxysilane treatment content is between 5-8%. The volatile content of this treated silica is 3-5%, the pH value is between 6-8 and it appears as a white powder. The specific surface area of ​​the silica grade is between 120-150m 2 / g.

[0054] Zinc oxide has a specific gravity of 5.6 and a surface area of ​​4-6m 2 / g of odorless white fine powder. The heat loss value of the grade is 0.5% maximum at 110°C. The ash content of the grade is 99%, the wet sieve residue (% residue on #325 mesh) is not more than 0.05 and (% residue on #200 mesh) is less than 0.02. The presence of CuO <0.0005%, MnO <0.0005%, SiO2 <0.02% and water-soluble salts <0.05%.

[0055] The resulting composition from Table 1 or any of the descriptions above can be used to form a belt, such as a timing belt, such as for automotive applications.

[0056] Example

[0057] The objects and advantages of the present disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. The specific materials and amounts thereof and other conditions and details described in these examples should not be construed as overly limiting the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the examples and other places of the present disclosure are by weight.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] The materials listed in Table 2 were used in the amounts listed to prepare compositions according to the present disclosure.

[0060] Table 2

[0061] Element weight% Chlorinated polyethylene rubber 32.5 Ethylene acrylic rubber 13.9 Carbon Black 9.3 <![CDATA[Precipitated silica (BET surface area - 165 m 2 / g)]]> 12.1 Treated Silica 8.4 Magnesium oxide 2.3 Microcrystalline wax 0.9 Stearic acid 0.5 Trioctyl trimaleate (malliate) 11.6 Epoxidized soybean oil 2.3 RF resin 0.9 peroxide 2.8 Imide crosslinker 1.9

[0062] The mixing of the ingredients was done in three stages. In the first stage, all materials except the curing agent were charged to an internal mixer at an RPM between 10-20. The overall mixing time was between 8-12 minutes to a dump temperature of 150°C. In the second stage, the compound was mixed again to 150°C for better dispersion and homogeneity. The peroxide curing agent was added in the third stage of mixing, where the RPM was maintained between 8-10 and the batch was dumped at 95°C.

[0063] The mixed material was cured using a hydraulic press at 180°C for 20 minutes.

[0064] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

[0065] Although the technology is described in language specific to some structures and materials, it is understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and materials described. On the contrary, specific aspects are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Because many embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention is present in the claims appended below.

[0066] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions used in the specification (except the claims) such as those indicating dimensions, physical properties, etc. are understood to be modified by the term "about" or "approximately" in all cases. At least and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter modified by the term "about" or "approximately" recorded in the specification or claims should be interpreted at least according to the numerical value of the significant figures recorded and by applying rounding techniques. In addition, all ranges disclosed herein are understood to cover such claims and provide support for such claims, and the claims record any and all sub-ranges or any and all single values ​​contained therein. For example, the range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include such claims and provide support for such claims, and the claims record any and all sub-ranges or single values ​​between a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10 and / or include a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10; that is, all sub-ranges starting with a minimum of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any value of 1-10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.).

Claims

1. A timing belt formed from an uncured composition comprising a halogenated polyethylene polymer and a non-halogenated ethylene polymer, the halogenated polyethylene polymer and the ethylene polymer being present in an amount of 25 to 75 weight percent of the uncured composition.

2. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1, wherein the halogenated polyethylene polymer is present at 25 to 50 weight percent of the uncured composition and the ethylene polymer is present at 10 to 30 weight percent of the uncured composition.

3. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1, wherein the halogenated polyethylene polymer is 30 to 40 weight percent of the uncured composition.

4. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1, wherein the halogenated polyethylene polymer is chlorinated.

5. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1, further comprising an organic peroxide.

6. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1 wherein the ethylene polymer is an ethylene acrylic elastomer.

7. A tape formed from an uncured composition according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon reinforcing filler and silica.

8. A tape formed from an uncured composition according to claim 7, wherein the silica is present at a level greater than the carbon reinforcing filler.

9. A tape formed from an uncured composition according to claim 8, wherein the silica is present at a level of about 10 to 35 weight percent of the uncured composition and the carbon reinforcing filler is present at a level of about 3 to 8 weight percent.

10. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 8, wherein the silica is present in a ratio of about 4:1 relative to the carbon reinforcing filler.

11. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1, wherein the tape has a tensile strength of 18 MPa or greater.

12. The tape formed from the uncured composition of claim 1, wherein the tape is easily bendable at -35°C.

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