Vulcanization, compounding, thermo-mechanical properties and surface morphology of montmorillonite nanoclay based nitrile rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

Remarkable importance has been bestowed upon polymer nanocomposites over the last few decades. Recently high-performance nanocomposites based on organic polymer/inorganic fillers have provided a new platform to the investigators in scientific and industrial aspects because of their unique and excellent properties. The main challenge lies in efficient dispersion and alignment of nanoclay into polymer matrix. The nanocomposites provided superior thermo-mechanical properties i.e., flexibility, light weight, good processability with comparatively low cost and several applications in field such as automobile, electrical, safety, and aerospace. The present investigation is devoted on the development of nitrile rubber nanocomposites reinforced with montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay and other vulcanization and compounding additives like dicumyl peroxide, zinc oxide, stearic acid, di-octyl-phthalate, antioxidant, curing agents etc., and this also study investigated the effect of MMT nano-clay of loading 1, 3, 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) on the thermo-mechanical properties and morphological aspects of nitrile rubber. Nanocomposites samples were prepared through vulcanization and compounding method using two roll mills, followed by compression moulding. The results revealed that 5 phr content of MMT nanoclay in the nitrile rubber matrix gives the highest tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break according to ASTM standard and thermal stability carried out through thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The modification in various properties can be attributed to better interfacial adhesion between nanoclay and rubber matrixes examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).