High Performance of Titanium Dioxide Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites

Abstract

Recently, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) have emerged as one of the most promising materials for use in soft robots. However, DEA needs a high operating voltage and high mechanical properties. By increasing the dielectric constant of elastomeric materials, it is possible to decrease the operating voltage required. Thus, elastomeric composites with a high dielectric constant and strong mechanical properties are of interest. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) content ranging from 0 to 110 phr on the cure characteristics, and physical, dielectric, dynamic mechanical, and morphological properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites. The addition of TiO2 reduced the scorch time (ts1) as well as the optimum cure time (tc90) but increased the cure rate index (CRI), minimum torque (ML), maximum torque (MH), and delta torque (MH − ML). The optimal TiO2 content for maximum tensile strength and elongation at break was 90 phr. Tensile strength and elongation at break were increased by 144.8% and 40.1%, respectively, over pure NBR. A significant mechanical property improvement was observed for TiO2-filled composites due to the good dispersion of TiO2 in the NBR matrix, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, incorporating TiO2 filler gave a higher storage modulus, a shift in glass transition temperature (Tg) to a higher temperature, and reduced damping in dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The addition of TiO2 to NBR rubber increased the dielectric constant of the resultant composites in the tested frequency range from 102 to 105 Hz. As a result, TiO2-filled NBR composite has a high potential for dielectric elastomer actuator applications.

Nafcillin-Loaded Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

“…In the case of samples P1-TiO 2 ( Figure 3 C) and P1-ZnO ( Figure 3 E), there was no apparent difference between the pores; however, slightly larger dimensions were obtained compared to the blank sample P1. This behavior can be attributed to the participation of the TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticles in the photopolymerization step through the generation of HO free radical species induced by UV irradiation [ 64 , 65 ]. The increase in free radical concentration leads to an increase in the polymerization rate, and an increase in the volume contraction, which causes the formation of larger pores during the relaxation step [ 66 ].…”

Effect of Titanium Dioxide on Cure Characteristics and Physico Mechanical Properties of High-Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber Composites

“…As mentioned earlier, excessive TiO2 added in SiR had a greater effect on reducing the scorch time. Chueangchayaphan et al, [11] indicated that increased TiO2 content reduced the scorch time and cure time because TiO2 is a metal oxide that acts as a co-activator stimulating crosslinking during sulphur curing.…”

Microscopic investigation of the optical and morphological properties of iPP/TiO2 nanocomposite fibres using computed tomography technique

“…Many manufacturing techniques were developed in order to produce enhanced fibre structures. [6][7][8] Highspeed spinning from melt polymer is a common technique for producing generic isotactic polypropylene fibres. This technique usually produces iPP fibres of low molecular orientations, since stretching from the melt is followed by recovery of molecular chains.…”

“…In addition, orientated isotactic polypropylene is recommended for a wide range of industrial applications. Many manufacturing techniques were developed in order to produce enhanced fibre structures 6–8 . High‐speed spinning from melt polymer is a common technique for producing generic isotactic polypropylene fibres.…”