Influence of organic modifier structures of 2D clay layers on thermal stability, flammability and mechanical properties of their rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

Rubber blends and their nanocomposites based on clay layers were developed. Two different mass ratio of styrene butadiene–nitrile butadiene rubber blend (SBR–NBR) were prepared. Montmorillonite clay modified with methyl dihydroxyethyl hydrogenated tallow ammonium and trimethyl stearyl ammoniums individually were dispersed in SBR–NBR rubber producing different nanocomposites. The mass ratio of organoclay was varied and optimized; also, the dispersion of organoclay sheets was investigated. The mechanical and thermal properties of the developed rubber nanocomposites were studied and improved. The tensile strength of the new nanocomposites was improved recording 16% improvement compared to blank rubber blend. Thermal stability of the developed rubber nanocomposites was enhanced achieving higher 40 °C in decomposition temperature compared to blank rubber blend. Furthermore, the flammability properties of the developed rubber nanocomposites were evaluated and rate of burning achieved 45% reduction compared to blank rubber blend. The chemical structure of organic modifier played an important role in the final nanocomposites performance. The intercalation of dispersed organoclay sheets with rubber blend was elucidated using X-ray diffraction and dispersion was confirmed using SEM.