Studies on swelling behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary rubber blend composites in the presence of compatibilizers

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the swelling behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary rubber blend composites prepared by melt blending based on carbon black (CB)-filled natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends, containing a variety of compatibilizers. Various compatibilizers, maleic acid anhydride (MAH), prepared emulsion and adhesion system (HRH) were used. A series of NR/SBR/NBR blends at a 30/30/40 blend ratio reinforced with 45 phr of CB were prepared using the master-batch method. Design/methodology/approach Thermal aging properties of the composites characterized by their aging coefficient and retention in tensile and elongation at break (E.B. %). Thermal degradation of ternary rubber blend composites based on melt blending has been studied using thermogravimetric analysis. Findings The swelling coefficient decreased with increased compatibilizer loading. Results also showed that the tensile strength and E.B. (%) decreased with aging over the entire aging period. Additionally, the addition of compatibilizers into the ternary rubber blend composite had slightly improved the thermal stability. Research limitations/implications Interactions between the different components of blends at the interfaces have a high impact on the interfacial properties of the rubber blend. Practical implications Compatibilizers significantly improve the properties of the resulting composites with the loading of investigated compatibilizers because of the uniform dispersion of CB in the rubber matrix. Social implications Using blends in the rubber industry led to the high-efficiency production of low-cost products. Originality/value The rubber blending has a significant positive effect on a wide range of applications such as structural applications, aerospace, military, packaging, tires and biomedical, so improving the compatibility of blends will make new materials suitable for new applications.