Effect of in situ silanization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the properties of NBR/MWCNT-OH composites

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the preparation and properties of improved acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) composites with hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-OH). A series of in situ modifications were performed using [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane (APTS), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTS) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTS). The curing behavior, crosslink density, static and dynamic mechanical properties (DMTA), filler-filler interactions (Payne effect), thermal stability (TGA) and aging stability of the NBR nanocomposites were investigated, in addition to morphological studies (SEM/EDS). The experimental data prove that the most promising silane agent stongly affecting the properties of NBR/MWCNT-OH composite systems was APTS. The NBR vulcanizates showed increased torque, crosslink density, dynamic moduli and tensile strength.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Hydroxylated carbon nanotubes
• silanes
• coupling agents
• acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber
• functionalization

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bolesław Szadkowski

Bolesław Szadkowski received a M.Sc (2016) in chemical technology from the Deparment of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology (Poland). Currently, PhD student at the Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology at Lodz University of Technology. He specializes in the preparation of organic-inorganic pigment systems as well as modification of the reinforcing fillers used in the polymer technology