Effect of Nanoclay on Permeation and Fluid Resistance of Hydrogenated Acrylonitrile Butadiene (HNBR) Nanocomposite

Nanoclay are been increasing used as alternative to conventional macro filler materials  to reduce permeability of rubber and plastics. In this paper the effect of nanoclay type and functionalization on the permeation, fluid resistance and low temperature flexibility is reported. Hydrogenated acrylonitrile buatadiene rubber nanocomposite were prepared using Banbury mixer with nanoclay laoding of 2.5wt%, 5wt%, 7.5wt%, 10wt% and 15 wt% of nanoclay.  The dispersion of the nanoclay was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Permeation testing results showed that the permeability of oxygen decreased with increased in loading of nanoclay. The fluid aging testing was done by exposing the nanocomposite in hydraulic fluid at 80°C and 100°C up to 32 weeks. The results indicated that nanoclay adversely affects the fluid resistance of HNBR. Higher the loading of nanoclay poorer is the fluid resistance of HNBR. Also included is data on the mechanical properties, tear strength and low temperature flexibility of the nanocomposite.