Preparation and derivation mechanism of methyl methacrylate/nitrile butadiene rubber/graphene oxide composites by ball‐milling

Abstract

Methyl methacrylate/nitrile butadiene rubber/graphene oxide (MMA/NBR/GO) composite materials were prepared by ball-milling based on the mechanochemical principle. The effects of some key process parameters, such as graphene oxide (GO) content, ball-to-powder ratio (BPR), and ball-milling time on textures and structures of MMA/NBR/GO composite materials were studied systematically by Zeta potentials, Raman spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and the derivation mechanism was examined. The results indicated composite materials with excellent dispersion stability at GO content of 0.3%, BPR of 3.87, and ball-milling time of 5 h, the value of sedimentation rate is only 1.0%, the Zeta potential is À41.5 mV, and the mass loss ratio is 40.36%. FT-IR result shows that the intensity of the characteristic peak all decreases after ball milling, and carboxyl group of GO and hydroxyl group connected to the benzene ring is broken. The graft position is CN and CH 2 of NBR, and CH 3 of MMA. Under these conditions, the oxygen-containing functional groups of GO were successfully grafted onto the MMA and NBR.

Graphene in rubber formulations: a comprehensive review and performance optimization insights

“…Methyl methacrylate and NBR are premixed and then ball milled with GO using 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15 mm zirconia balls (ratio of 6 : 5 : 5 : 2 : 2) respectively, and a ball powder ratio of 3.87 at 400 rpm for 300 minutes. 76 The optimum formulation (106.7 g methyl methacrylate, 9.33 g NBR, and 0.3% of GO) displays the most stable dispersion with only a 1.0% sedimentation rate after 115 days with −41.5 mV zeta potential and a 40.36% mass lost ratio. The mechanism is initiated by the breakage of the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups (connected to the benzene ring) on GO followed by the grafting of –CN and CH 2 of rubber and –CH 3 of methyl methacrylate during the ball milling process.…”

“…Mechanical grinding is the method of mechanically crushing or mixing graphene using grinding balls, a pestle, or sand. The grinding balls are made up of materials such as zirconia 31,76–78 and stainless steel. 79 When the balls are moving rapidly in a ball miller, the collision between the balls generates shear force which results in a smaller graphene particle size.…”

“…79 When the balls are moving rapidly in a ball miller, the collision between the balls generates shear force which results in a smaller graphene particle size. Surfactants, 31,77–79 ionic liquids, 80 or other exfoliating agents 76 are essential to assist in graphene functionalization and exfoliation during the grinding process.…”

“…81 Furthermore, the defects in graphene edges and boundaries are induced by the functionalization of graphene and the breaking of its hexagonal graphitic structure under high shear force, as demonstrated in Raman spectroscopy studies. 31,76,79 The defects generated by ball milling is helpful for the mechanical anchoring of rubber chains for reinforcement. 79…”

“…The mechanism is initiated by the breakage of the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups (connected to the benzene ring) on GO followed by the grafting of –CN and CH 2 of rubber and –CH 3 of methyl methacrylate during the ball milling process. 76…”