Development, Characterization, and Properties of NOVEL Quaternary Rubber Nanocomposites

Rubber nanocomposites based on Bromobutyl rubber (BIIR), Polyepichlorohydrin rubber (CO), Carbon black (CB) and organically modified montmorillonite clay (NC) were prepared via melt compounding technique. The developed quaternary nanocomposites were characterized analytically and their properties were compared against standard BIIR compound. BIIR-CO nanocomposites showed improved physico-mechanical properties as compared to that of the standard BIIR compound. Hybrid microstructure (NC-CB) development, clay exfoliation and good filler dispersion in the quaternary nanocomposite significantly contributed to the overall enhancement of properties. Introduction of CO in the system increased the specific gravity and hardness of the compound as compared to that of the standard compound. XRD analysis, AFM imaging and HR-TEM measurements confirmed exfoliation and a good level of dispersion of the NC in the composites. SEM analyses of the fractured surfaces of the nanocomposites revealed good synergism and binding effect in reinforcing the rubber matrix in the hybrid filler system (NC-CB). Thermal analysis measurements by TGA showed marginal improvement in maximum degradation temperature (T_max) for BIIR-CO nanocomposites. Compatibility existed between BIIR and CO in BIIR-CO nanocomposites at lower dosage of CO (up to 10 phr level). Hysteresis values of BIIR-CO nanocomposites were comparable to the standard BIIR compound. Permeability of developed BIIR-CO nanocomposites decreases significantly as compared to that of the standard BIIR compound.

Keywords: Rubber nanocomposites, Dispersion, Characterization, Properties