Influence of nanoclays on mechanical and barrier properties of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

In this research, two different methods have been investigated for optimising the preparation of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/clay nanocomposites. Commercially available organoclay (Cloisite 20A) has been considered for the preparation of rubber nanocomposites. A detailed analysis has been made to investigate the morphological structure and mechanical behaviour at room temperature and at elevated temperature. Also the influence of organoclays on permeability has been studied. Structural analysis indicates very good dispersion for a low loading of 5 parts per hundred (phr) amount of nanoclays. Significant improvements in mechanical properties have been observed with the addition of organoclays at both room and elevated temperatures. Even with the low level of addition of nanoclays, there was a remarkable reduction in permeability.

Keywords:

• Nanocomposite
• HNBR
• Permeability
• Compression set

The authors are grateful to the assistance and support of Mr P. Warren, Mr A. Douglas, Mr S. Winterbottom and Ms M. Nanavathy in using the facilities and expertise of James Walker, UK, in the preparation of the samples.

Notes

This paper is part of a special issue on Latest developments in research on composite materials