Preparation and properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer hybrid nanocomposite with organoclays

Abstract

Acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) hybrid nanocomposites with organoclays were preparedby melt mixing, and their properties were compared with those of conventional rubber compounds filledwith carbon black and silica. Based on X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, the NBRnanocomposites obtained were found to form generally an intercalated structure, although they formedan exfoliated structure when the organoclay content was low enough, <2 parts per 100 rubber. The NBRnanocomposite showed a simultaneous improvement in ultimate strength and stiffness, which is generallyin a trade-off relation in rubbery materials. A characteristic fracture morphology of ‘laminated board-type’ was observed for NBR nanocomposites instead of typical ‘cross-hatched’ morphology in conventionalrubber composites. The NBR nanocomposites also showed much higher hysteresis and tension set.