Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Polymer Composites Prepared by Melt Compounding

Abstract

Abstract-In this research we have investigated the effect of different percentages of nanoclay and matrix compositions on the characteristics of NR/BR blend prepared by open two-roll mill. The dispersion of the layered silicate in rubber matrix was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) The results showed that the nanocomposites structure consisting of intercalated structure as well as partially exfoliated structure are obtained. Properties such as permeability and complex viscosity as well as storage modulus are tested to assess the effect of addition of the nanoclay and matrix composition. Permeability and compression set of the nanocomposite samples received markedly improvement. These results were confirmed by Gel content measurements since a noticeable decrease in the gel values was observed when the organoclay was added to the rubber compounds. The properties improvement caused by nanoclay are attributed to intercalation of the organophilic clay by NR/BR macromolecules and established interaction between nanoclay and polymer matrix which was evidenced by SEM photomicrographs. These results were accompanied by enhanced rheological properties.

Ternary NR/BR/SBR rubber blend nanocomposites

“…Nanocomposites exhibit greatly improved mechanical and thermal properties because of the nanometer-scale dispersion of the reinforcements and the high surface-to volume ratio. 19 The phenomenon of reinforcement of elastomers is of great importance for the structuring of materials in new technologies. Namely, adding the nanoparticle fillers in the elastomers obtained from different types of rubber leads to an increase in the modulus of elasticity and to an improvement of key properties such as tensile strength and elongation, as well as abrasion resistance.…”