Evaluation of Viscoelastic Performance and Molecular Structures of Natural Rubber/NBR Blends Reinforced by Carbon Black and Nano-Silica

Abstract

This study focuses on the evaluation of the dynamic mechanical properties, molecular structure, density, hardness, swelling behavior of natural rubber blends (NR) and nitrile rubber (NBR) reinforced with carbon black and/or nano-silica. An experimental work has been conducted to study of the effects of increasing NR content and incorporating nano-silica on the mechanical properties and molecular structure were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results show that increasing the NR content and/or incorporating nano-silica into the elastomer leads to a higher storage modulus with no significant change in the glass transition temperature. FTIR analysis indicates the compatibility of the polyblends and the presence of oxidation of the main polymer chain generated during the grinding of the rubber. Additionally, the results of the swelling study demonstrate that stronger molecular interactions occur on the surface of the nano-silica between the nitrile radicals in the NBR and the silanol (Si-OH) radicals. These findings suggest that blending NR and NBR with carbon black and/or nano-silica can improve the mechanical properties and compatibility of the resulting polyblends, with potential applications in the development of advanced elastomeric materials.