The automotive technology world is constantly evolving, with a strong focus on sustainability and clean energy solutions. In this context, the Slovak company VIPO a.s. has been focusing on new hydrogen-based mobility. However, like any pioneering technology, there are challenges to overcome. VIPO’s latest challenge involved optimizing the method of adding nanofillers to an EPDM rubber matrix, a synthetic rubber commonly used in sealing applications. In order for the developed composition to achieve the required barrier properties, the nanofiller must be uniformly distributed within the elastomer. To address this issue, VIPO sought to develop a process enabling efficient incorporation of the nanofiller into EPDM rubber.
To visualize and evaluate their progress, VIPO researchers used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine their process at the microscopic scale. Measurements were carried out over a surface area of only a few μm².
The M-Trace system from AtomTrace, known for its fast analysis and precise detection capabilities, provided VIPO with the opportunity to examine polymers at a much larger scale. The supplied samples were tested for the presence and distribution of aluminum and magnesium. The results were then visualized using heat maps, with colors indicating the concentration levels of these elements.
Thanks to LIBS analysis, measurements can be performed over a cm² scale, which is significantly larger than the previous microscopic-scale measurements. In addition, LIBS technology enabled rapid data acquisition, greatly reducing the time required for analysis.
In conclusion, the collaboration between VIPO and AtomTrace produced remarkable results.
The speed and detection capabilities of LIBS technology helped VIPO researchers optimize the process of adding and distributing nanofillers in EPDM. The insights gained will contribute to achieving the required performance for sealing elements in hydrogen-based systems. These experiments also demonstrate the versatility and potential of LIBS technology in analyzing advanced technologies.
