Effect of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes with Carboxylic Functional Group on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with a carboxylic functional group to enhance the dispersion of CNT in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites. The functionalization of the surface of the MWCNTs were carried out by using nitric acid at 120°C for 48 hours. The FTIR technique was used to characterize the surface of the modified carbon nanotubes to ascertain the presence of the functional groups on the CNT surface. The modified carbon nanotubes were incorporated in a polymer solution, and the solvent was subsequently evaporated. Using this technique, nanotubes can be dispersed homogeneously in the SBR matrix in an attempt to increase the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. The effects of the functionalized CNT on the properties of SBR without curing were studied using characterization techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and the tensile testing machine. The effect of percentage loading of the functionalized CNT was also studied and is reported in this work. The properties of the nanocomposites such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, tear strength, elongation at break and hardness were studied.