Study of Parcial Replacing Carbon Nanotubes in Conventionalcarbon BLACK/NBR Nanocomposites

Due to potential use of carbon nanotubes as reinforcing fillers, carbon black (CB, 50phr) in nitrile rubber (NBR) composites was replaced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). NBR/CB/MWCNTs nanocomposites with varying ratio of CB and MWCNTs (50/0phr to 40/10phr) were prepared by melt-mixing method using internal mixer. The reinforcing effect of single filler - CB and mixture of fillers - CB and MWCNTs on the properties of NBR nanocomposites was investigated. The scorch time and curing time values show that there is no significant effect on the curing behavior of NBR nanocomposites after the replacement of CB with MWCNTs. It was observed that bound rubber content was maximum in case of NBR/CB/MWCNTs nanocomposites having 1phr CNTs content and 49phr CB content. No further increase in bound rubber content was observed at higher CNT loading indicating maximum interaction between rubber and nanofiller till 1phr content of CNTs. The static and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated at room temperature and at 121°C.