The effect of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM) as an additive on the abrasion resistance of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin was investigated. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the resultant TPU/EPDM composites were evaluated, and the surface morphology of the composites after abrasion testing was examined. The results showed that the addition of EPDM greatly improved both the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of the TPU resin. A TPU/EPDM composite with 8 wt % EPDM demonstrated the highest tensile strength, the largest elongation at break, and the best overall performance. The abrasion of this composite was 27 mg, whereas that of the pure resin was 73 mg. With the further addition of EPDM, the abrasion resistance of the resultant composites decreased, whereas the viscosity increased. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.