Abstract
The use of methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS) as a compatibilizer for natural rubber (NR) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends has been investigated. Research on the cure characteristics, mechanical properties, swelling, and morphology (SEM) has been conducted to determine the compatibility of NR/NBR blends in the presence of MBS. Based on the cure characteristics, it is indicated that the presence of MBS was affected significantly by maximum and minimum torque. The addition of MBS improved the mechanical properties and the oil resistance of NR/NBR blends due to the compatibility and better interfacial adhesion between rubber phases. The experiment showed that MBS loading by 2.5 phr was the optimum level for NR/NBR blends.
Highlights
Blending of two or more polymers to get the desired product has commonly been carried out nowadays in the manufacturing industry
Some other properties such as modulus and tensile strength may be reduced as the consequence of the incompatibility between the components (Wisittanawat et al, 2014), so that compatibilizers as the third component are needed in the process of blending two immiscible polymers
The addition of methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS) as a compatibilizer increasing the delta torque, but it decreases at the MBS loading which is higher than 5 phr
Summary
Blending of two or more polymers to get the desired product has commonly been carried out nowadays in the manufacturing industry. Natural rubber (NR) is abundant and it has excellent mechanical properties and processability It has poor oil resistance and is sensitive to ozone, light, moisture, and heat due to its double bonds (Alipour et al, 2011; Siriyong & Keawwattana, 2012). Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has excellent oil-resistant properties over a wide range of temperatures as well as excellent resistance to abrasion, water, alcohols, and heat. It has poor dielectric properties and resistance to ozone (Ismail et al, 2009). NBR requires a reinforcing filler to improve its mechanical properties or blending with other rubber (ElSabbagh & Yehia, 2007)
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