High performance light-colored nitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Rubber Technology

Background:

• Nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) is a versatile synthetic rubber, but enhancing its mechanical performance and processability remains a key challenge.
• Traditional methods for improving NBR properties often involve complex formulations or compromise other characteristics.
• The development of novel additives and processing techniques is crucial for advancing NBR applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate high mechanical performance, light-colored nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) using in situ formation of metallic disorbates (ZDS or MDS).
• To investigate the effects of in situ formed ZDS and MDS on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties, ageing resistance, morphology, and dynamic mechanical behavior of NBR.
• To compare the performance of NBR processed via internal mixing versus open mixing.

Main Methods:

• In situ formation of zinc disorbate (ZDS) or magnesium disorbate (MDS) within the NBR matrix.
• Confirmation of in situ ZDS formation and polymerization using X-ray diffraction.
• Comprehensive evaluation of mechanical properties (modulus, tensile strength, tear strength), ageing resistance, morphology, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).

Main Results:

• Increasing metallic disorbate loading significantly enhanced curing rate and ionic crosslink density, leading to substantial improvements in modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength.
• Internal mixing yielded superior mechanical performance compared to open mixing.
• Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed increased storage modulus, up-shifted glass transition temperature (Tg), and reduced mechanical loss with higher metallic disorbate content, attributed to strengthened interfacial interactions.

Conclusions:

• In situ formation of ZDS and MDS is an effective method for producing high-performance, light-colored NBR with enhanced mechanical properties and ionic crosslinking.
• The finely dispersed nano domains and strengthened interfacial interactions are responsible for the superior performance achieved through internal mixing.
• The developed NBR vulcanizates exhibit good ageing resistance, with potential for advanced material applications.