Compatibilizer/graphene/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)/ethylenepropylenediene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites: Morphology, compatibility, rheology and mechanical properties

Abstract

In this study, nanocomposites based on different blends of XNBR/EPDM with 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 phr graphene were prepared on a two‐roll mill. The role of EPDM‐grafted maleic anhydride compatibilizer (EPDM‐g‐MAH) and the effect of graphene on morphology, curing characteristics, and mechanical properties were investigated. The curing behavior of the nanocomposites was studied using a rubber curing rheometer. Also, microstructure of the nanocomposites was observed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. With increasing the graphene content in the composite, in addition to the torque, the curing time and scorch time were increased. Fracture surface morphological studies indicated that the presence of EPDM‐g‐MAH improved the graphene dispersion within the XNBR/EPDM matrix and a uniform dispersion with a small amount of aggregation was observed. On the other hand, the presence of graphene in the matrix created a rough fracture surface. In addition, with adding EPDM‐g‐MAH compatibilizer and increasing the graphene, the dispersed phase size of EPDM in the XNBR matrix became smaller and a uniform dispersion was obtained. Also, hardness, tensile strength, fatigue, modulus, and elongation‐at‐break of XNBR/EPDM nanocomposite showed a significant increase by the addition of compatibilizer and increasing the graphene content.

The least length of halloysite nanotubes allowing the operative stress shifting via imperfect interphase after percolation onset for the strength of nanocomposites applicable in the biomedical products

“…According to these comments, a high HNT concentration positively controls the strength of system validating the predictions of the progressed model. There are numerous experimental data displaying that the strength advances by a higher content of nanofiller, owing to the excellent stiffness of nanoparticles 12,45–47 …”

Graphene-maleic anhydride-grafted-carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene-rubber nanocomposites

“…The polar and non-polar grades of the elastomeric nanocomposites involving graphene sheets and/or their derivatives (GSD) mostly decorated with oxygenated moieties (C–OH, HO–C=O, OH, C–O–C) have been widely studied for advanced applications in sensors, flexible electronics [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], electromagnetic shields and heat resistance materials [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For examples, the single matrix systems such as ethylene propylene-diene monomer (EPDM)-GSD [ 10 , 11 ], styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)-GSD [ 12 , 13 ], acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)-GSD [ 6 , 14 , 15 ], chlorinated isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)-GSD [ 16 ], natural rubber (NR)-GSD [ 17 , 18 ] and the blend system like; EDPM/silicone-GSD, NR/EPDM-GSD [ 19 ], and EPDM/NBR-GSD [ 20 ] etc. Some critical issues such as poor dispersion of the GSD into matrices owing to high tendency of the sheets to form agglomerates within the bulk matrix have been reported [ 21 , 22 ].…”

“…Attempts to address concerns in elastomeric-GSD research has driven research interest in engineering functionalization of the elastomeric matrices and the GSD reinforcements [ 17 , 20 , 21 , 28 ]. For example, modification of the chemical structures of elastomers like NR by introduction of epoxide groups along its backbone to form epoxidated natural rubber (ENR) [ 17 , 29 ] and the conversion of NBR into carboxylated NBR (XNBR) or hydrogenated NBR [ 30 , 31 , 32 ] structures have already been investigated.…”

Theoretical and Experimental investigation of PVMQ/ EPDM-g-MA/CR blends: Rheological, Compatibility and Mechanical Properties

“…In recent years, graphene has attracted has attracted the attention of researchers as well as in industry [26][27][28]. Graphene and its formation such as graphene oxide (GO), graphene nanoparticles, reduced graphene oxide, etc.…”