Investigation of NR, BR, and SBR composite material properties and internal mixer Wear under various lubricating oil media during mixing process

Abstract

During the blending process, the choice of lubricant used in the internal mixer significantly affects the properties of composite materials. This study thoroughly investigates the mechanisms that enhance the mechanical properties and anti-wear characteristics of Natural Rubber/ Butadiene Rubber/Solution-Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber composite materials by employing both commonly used lubricants and graphene-based lubricant mediums. The research offers data-driven insights to enhance material performance during internal mixer blending and protect the end-face metals. The incorporation of graphene as a lubricant additive results in its deposition on friction pair surfaces, forming a protective anti-wear layer that prevents direct contact between the friction pairs and effectively reduces wear.Throughout the blending process, the composite materials inevitably come into contact with the lubricant. This research reveals that the addition of lubricant improves the dispersion of SiO2 particles while reducing aggregate formation. Consequently, the SiO2 particles-TESPT-rubber crosslinking network becomes denser, significantly enhancing the performance of Natural Rubber/ Butadiene Rubber/Solution-Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber composite materials. Specifically, when using commonly used lubricant mediums, the material's hardness, tensile strength, and tear strength increase by 0.88 %, 7.8 %, and 4.5 %, respectively. In contrast, under the graphene lubricant medium, these properties improve by 2.7 %, 16.8 %, and 24.9 %, respectively. Notably, Natural Rubber/ Butadiene Rubber/Solution-Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber composite materials using the graphene lubricant medium experience substantial reductions in rolling resistance and improved anti-wet skid performance.When comparing Natural Rubber/ Butadiene Rubber/Solution-Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber composite materials with and without lubricants, composites prepared with both commonly used lubricants and graphene lubricants show significant reductions in metal wear and changes in metal surface roughness. Metal wear decreases by 17.5 % and 28.7 %, respectively, while changes in metal surface roughness are reduced by 46.3 % and 68.7 %, respectively.