Nanocomposites of Nitrile (NBR) Rubber with Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Nanotechnology offers promise of new materials with enhanced performance.  Carbon nanotube reinforced elastomers have potential for improved rubber compounds in aggressive environments.  In this work, we investigated the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in rubber for potential use in the oil field industry.  The vulcanization kinetics of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes was investigated. The vulcanized NBR rubber with varied percents of MWCNT compared to NBR reinforced with carbon black N330. The use of mixed of MWCNT and carbon black (N330), as well as changes in the cure system, were also studied.  Increasing content of MWCNTs was found to decrease T90.  Crosslink density and bound rubber will also be reported.