Two-dimensional layered double hydroxides nanoplatelets assembled in situ on SiO2 nanoparticles for high-performing hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber

Abstract

A series of layered double hydroxide nanoplatelets-silica (LDH-SiO2) nanocomposites were assembled in situ and utilized for improving hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR). The composition, morphology, and structure of both the hybrid fillers and the HNBR composites were characterized. The effects of the LDH nanoplatelets and LDH-SiO2 nanocomposites on the properties of HNBR were studied. The results show that the assembly of two-dimensional (2D) LDH nanoplatelets on the surface of SiO2 efficiently restrains the aggregation of SiO2 nanoparticles and improves the dispersion of the filler in the rubber matrix. Significantly, the highest tensile strength (27.74 MPa) of LDH-SiO2/HNBR, which is two times, one point seven times, and fourteen times higher than those of SiO2/HNBR, LDH/HNBR, and unfilled HNBR, respectively, was achieved at the LDH:SiO2 mass ratio of 0.8 and the filler loading of 40 phr. Furthermore, LDH-SiO2/HNBR exhibits better thermal stability and thermo-oxidative aging performance than SiO2/HNBR. Our work highlights the hybrid filler reinforcement systems for enhancing the mechanical properties of elastomer composites.