Boosted Chemical Protective Properties Using Interface Constructed between Ti₃C₂T_x MXene and Natural Rubber

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Natural rubber (NR) is widely used in chemical protective clothing (CPC) for its anti-penetration properties.
• The impermeability of NR, however, is insufficient for demanding applications.
• There is a need for advanced materials to improve the protective capabilities of CPC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and scalable method for creating Ti3C2Tx MXene/NR nanocomposites.
• To enhance the chemical resistance and mechanical properties of NR for CPC applications.
• To investigate the structure-property relationships in the novel nanocomposite material.

Main Methods:

• A plant-scale method combining latex mixing, emulsion flocculation, and flat-plate vulcanization was employed.
• Homogeneous dispersion of Ti3C2Tx MXene within the NR matrix was achieved.
• Characterization of the nanocomposite's structure, chemical permeation resistance, and mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• A robust three-dimensional (3D) network was formed in the Ti3C2Tx MXene/NR composite.
• The nanocomposite demonstrated significantly prolonged breakthrough times for toluene, dichloromethane, and concentrated sulfuric acid (up to 178.6% increase).
• Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break, were substantially improved.

Conclusions:

• The Ti3C2Tx MXene/NR nanocomposite offers superior anti-permeability and mechanical strength compared to pure NR.
• The developed material shows great potential for high-strength, long-term CPC applications in chemical and military fields.
• The facile fabrication method makes this advanced material viable for industrial production.