The effects of electron beam irradiation on the thermal properties,fatigue life and natural weathering of styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber blends

The effects of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the thermal properties, fatigue life and natural weathering of styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (SBR/NBRr) blends were investigated. The SBR/NBRr blends were prepared at 95/5, 85/15, 75/25, 65/35, or 50/50 blend ratios with and without the presence of a 3 part per hundred rubber (phr) of polyfunctional monomer, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). Results indicate that the crystallisation temperature (T_c) observed in polymeric blends is due to the alignment of polymer chains forming a semi-crystalline phase. Addition of TMPTA helps to align polymer chains through crosslinking. More crosslinking occurred between polymer blends with the help of TMPTA, upon irradiation. The improvement in fatigue life can also be associated with the stabilisation of SBR/NBRr blends upon irradiation and irradiation-induced crosslinking, which was accomplished with relatively low radiation-induced oxidative degradation in the presence of TMPTA. The tensile properties of both blends decreased over the periods of environmental exposure due to the effect of polymer degradation. After 6 months, the irradiated SBR/NBRr blends could not retain better retention [mainly with 25, 35 or 50 phr of recycled acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBRr) particles] due to the samples becoming brittle over the long period of outdoor exposure.     

Effect of kaolin–metal oxides core–shell pigments on the properties of styrene–butadiene rubber composites

This study investigated the effects of core–shell kaolin–metal oxide pigments on the rheological, physico-mechanical and dielectric properties of styrene–butadiene rubber composites. In this way, newly prepared core–shell pigments based on kaolin as the core representing 90% of the whole pigment was covered with different metal oxides (CaO, MgO and CaO⋅MgO) comprising the shell which represents only 10% of the prepared pigments were incorporated with different concentrations in styrene–butadiene (SBR) rubber composites. Studying the different properties of pigmented and unpigmented SBR composites were done. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to feature out the surface morphology. Addition of the new pigments increased the tensile strength and strain energy, while elastic modulus was decreased. This study revealed that there is a significant effect of the new prepared pigments on SBR properties and the optimum pigment loading was 40 phr for CaO/kaolin, while it was 2.5 phr for MgO/kaolin. The dielectric results also showed that, the values of ε′ (relative permittivity) and ε′′ (dielectric loss) increased with increasing core shell content. Moreover, the samples containing MgO/kaolin and MgO⋅CaO/kaolin showed promising dielectric properties with low relative permittivity and electrical insulating properties. The different measurements showed good agreement in their results.     

Quantitative mapping of surface elastic moduli in silica-reinforced rubbers and rubber blends across the length scales by AFM

The surface elastic moduli of silica-reinforced rubbers and rubber blends were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based HarmoniX material mapping. Styrene–butadiene rubbers (SBR) and ethylene–propylene–diene rubbers (EPDM) and SBR/EPDM rubber blends with varying concentrations of silica nanoparticles (0, 5, 10, 20, 50 parts per hundred rubber, phr) were prepared to investigate the effect of different composition on the resulting morphology, filler distribution and elastic moduli of a specific rubber or rubber blend sample. For SBR, the elastic modulus values varied from 0.5 MPa for unfilled SBR to 5 MPa for 50 phr reinforced SBR with the increase in the concentration of filler. For EPDM, the corresponding values increased from 1.4 MPa for unfilled EPDM to 4.5 MPa for 50 phr reinforced EPDM. Local stiff and soft domains in silica-reinforced SBR and EPDM rubbers and rubber blends were identified by HarmoniX AFM imaging. While the stiff silica particles show modulus values as high as 2 GPa, the rubber matrix reveals modulus values in the range of ca. 30 MPa for the rubber blends to ca. 300 MPa for the unfilled rubbers. The lower value of elastic modulus of the EPDM phase in the blend, compared to the blank EPDM compound can be attributed to the presence of Sunpar oil in the compound which has a very good affinity with EPDM and decreases the rubber modulus. The elastic moduli maps revealed an increase of the areal fraction of silica particles showing an intrinsic surface modulus value with rising silica content in the compound preparation mixture. HarmoniX AFM measurements revealed the formation of larger silica aggregates in EPDM in contrast to SBR where isolated silica particles were observed. For silica-reinforced rubber blends a phase separation into a soft (ca. 40 MPa) and a significantly harder phase could be observed (ca. 500 MPa–1.5 GPa) indicating the incorporation of silica particles in the SBR phase. Using HarmoniX AFM imaging significantly higher surface elastic moduli were observed compared to those obtained by bulk tensile testing. Possible reasons for the observed differences between bulk modulus values and those measured by AFM are discussed in detail, including the aspect of different averaging procedures like inherent to surface probing by AFM versus bulk tensile testing, different filler distributions in SBR and EPDM and the AFM modulus calibration procedures.     

Enhancing mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber/silica nanocomposites by in situ interfacial modification with a novel rare-earth complex

In this study, a novel rare-earth complex, dithio-aminomethyl-lysine samarium (DALSm), was prepared and then was employed as activator, accelerator, cross-linker and interfacial modifier to improve the mechanical properties of SBR/silica nanocomposites. The results showed that 6 phr DALSm performed a higher vulcanization efficiency than the combination of 5 phr activator zinc oxide (ZnO), 2 phr stearic acid (SA), and 2 phr accelerator diethyl dithiocarbamate zinc (EDCZn). Meanwhile, the XPS and FTIR analysis of DALSm/silica model compounds confirmed that hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds could be formed between DALSm and silica during vulcanization process, which can effectively facilitate the homogenous dispersion of silica particles into SBR matrix and enhance the interface adhesion between rubber matrix and filler. As a consequent, the mechanical properties of SBR/DALSm/silica nanocomposites were substantially improved and much more excellent than those of the SBR/EDCZn/silica nanocomposites containing equivalent filler content. Based on the results of immobilized polymer layer, the reinforcing mechanism of DALSm in SBR/silica nanocomposites was analyzed.     

Electron-beam-irradiated rice husk powder as reinforcing filler in natural rubber/high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE) composites

The use of rice husk (RH) powder as a reinforcing filler in blends of natural rubber and high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE) was studied via surface modification of the particle surface. The RH powder was pre-washed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) prior to coating with liquid natural rubber (LNR) and reinforced by electron beam (EB) irradiation. The effects of the radiation dosage on the LNR-coated rice husk (RHr) as a reinforcing agent in the composite were evaluated from the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as from the blend homogeneity. The mechanical properties enhanced with the dosage of radiation on the RHr, and reached an optimum dose in the range 20–30 kGy. The composites filled with radiated RHr showed the highest storage modulus (E′) and low tangent delta (tan δ) a radiation dosage of 30 kGy. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the fractural tensile surface showed that an effective RHr particle matrix interaction occurred in the RH powder at a radiation dosage of 20 kGy. Improved RH filler–matrix interfacial bond strength and adhesion to the matrix were achieved by coating the RH powder and curing the rubber coat by electron beam irradiation.     

Electron-beam-irradiated rice husk powder as reinforcing filler in natural rubber/high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE) composites

The use of rice husk (RH) powder as a reinforcing filler in blends of natural rubber and high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE) was studied via surface modification of the particle surface. The RH powder was pre-washed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) prior to coating with liquid natural rubber (LNR) and reinforced by electron beam (EB) irradiation. The effects of the radiation dosage on the LNR-coated rice husk (RHr) as a reinforcing agent in the composite were evaluated from the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as from the blend homogeneity. The mechanical properties enhanced with the dosage of radiation on the RHr, and reached an optimum dose in the range 20–30 kGy. The composites filled with radiated RHr showed the highest storage modulus (E′) and low tangent delta (tan δ) a radiation dosage of 30 kGy. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the fractural tensile surface showed that an effective RHr particle matrix interaction occurred in the RH powder at a radiation dosage of 20 kGy. Improved RH filler–matrix interfacial bond strength and adhesion to the matrix were achieved by coating the RH powder and curing the rubber coat by electron beam irradiation.     

Novel toughened polylactic acid nanocomposite: Mechanical,thermal and morphological properties

The objective of the study is to develop a novel toughened polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposite. The effects of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and organophilic modified montmorillonite (MMT) on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of PLA were investigated. LLDPE toughened PLA nanocomposites consisting of PLA/LLDPE blends, of composition 100/0 and 90/10 with MMT content of 2 phr and 4 phr were prepared. The Young’s and flexural modulus improved with increasing content of MMT indicating that MMT is effective in increasing stiffness of LLDPE toughened PLA nanocomposite even at low content. LLDPE improved the impact strength of PLA nanocomposites with a sacrifice of tensile and flexural strength. The tensile and flexural strength also decreased with increasing content of MMT in PLA/LLDPE nanocomposites. The impact strength and elongation at break of LLDPE toughened PLA nanocomposites also declined steadily with increasing loadings of MMT. The crystallization temperature and glass transition temperature dropped gradually while the thermal stability of PLA improved with addition of MMT in PLA/LLDPE nanocomposites. The storage modulus of PLA/LLDPE nanocomposites below glass transition temperature increased with increasing content of MMT. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies revealed that an intercalated LLDPE toughened PLA nanocomposite was successfully prepared at 2 phr MMT content.     

Styrene butadiene rubber/aluminum powder composites—mechanical,morphological and electrical behaviors

Different weight fractions of aluminum (Al) powder viz., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 phr were incorporated into styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix. The Al powder filled and vulcanized SBR composites have been characterized for mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and surface hardness. A drastical improvement in tensile strength and tensile modulus with increase in filler content of the composites was noticed. The electrical properties such as dielectric constant, tan delta and dielectric loss were measured for all the four compositions. The effect of volume fraction (0–70 phr) of conducting filler, frequency (100 kHz–30 MHz), temperature (25–75°C) and relative humidity on dielectric constant, dielectric loss and tan delta values of the composites were studied.     

NR/CSM/biogenic silica rubber blend composites

Biogenic silica (BSi) was added at different ratios to some polymer blends of polyisoprene rubber (NR) and chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber (CSM) cured by conventional sulfur system. The reinforcing performance of the filler was investigated using rheometric, mechanical and swelling measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. There was a remarkable decrease in the optimum cure time (t_c90) and the scorch time (t_s2), which was associated with an increase in the cure rate index (CRI), with filler loading up to 30 phr in the different blend ratios. The tensile strength and hardness was 4–5 Sh-A higher in the case for the different blend compositions, while the resistance to swelling in toluene became higher. SEM photographs show that the filler is located at the interface between the different polymers which induces compatibilization in the immiscible blends. DSC scans of the filled blends showed shifts in the glass transition temperatures Tg which can be attributed to the improve interfacial bonding between filler and NR/CSM matrix. A higher thermal stability of NR/CSM/BSi composites was detected.     

Gamma irradiation aging of NBR/CSM rubber nanocomposites

The effect of gamma-irradiation on the acrylonitrile butadiene/chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber blends (NBR/CSM) based nanocomposites containing carbon black (CB) and silica filler (Si) were investigated by TG-DTG and ATR-FTIR techniques. The silica (with primary particle size of 22 nm) was added in content of 0, 10, 20 and 30 phr and carbon black (with primary particle size 40–48 nm) was added in content of 30 phr and rubber blend compounds were prepared. The obtained elastomeric materials were aging to different γ-irradiation doses (100, 200 and 400 kGy). The cure and mechanical properties of obtained nanocomposites were determined. Incorporating 20 phr of silica to the control NBR/CSM rubber blends containing 30 phr CB resulted 152% increase in tensile strength, 116%, in elongation at break and 142% modulus at 100% elongation, according to synergistic effect between the fillers. FTIR measurements of aged samples estimated the formation of alcohols, ethers and small amounts of lactones, anhydrides, esters and carboxylic acids after exposure to lower doses of γ-radiation (100 kGy). On the basis of the obtained spectra the formation of shorter polyene sequences and aromatic rings in aged elastomeric samples are assumed. The results show that 30 phr of carbon black (CB) and 20 phr of silica are needed for the best gamma aging resistance of NBR/CSM rubber nanocomposites. The result of radiation exposure is decrease in mechanical properties. The dose at which ultimate mechanical properties decreased was at 200 kGy. TG-DTG measurements estimated decrease in thermal stability of gamma-irradiated NBR/CSM rubber blend based nanocomposites. Silica reinforced NBR/CSM rubber blend had better radiation resistant than carbon black. Rough and heterogeneity of fracture surfaces has been observed for NBR/CSM rubber blends filled with silica. More uniform morphology of fracture surfaces according to high polymer–filler interaction and low filler–filler interaction has been observed for CB/Si filled NBR/CSM rubber blend.     

Mechanical and Barrier Properties of LLDPE/Chitosan Blown Films for Packaging

The blends of linear low‐density polyethylene and chitosan were prepared by using a two‐step melt‐compounding process and then were made into blown films for packaging. LLDPE‐g‐MAH was used as compatilizer to enhance the dispersing effect of chitosan in the matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope images of the blown films confirmed that there were new amide bonds formed between chitosan and LLDPE‐g‐MAH. The mechanical and barrier properties of the LLDPE/chitosan blown films were investigated. The result indicated that the breaking strength and elongation decreased as the chitosan content increased. In addition, the water vapour permeability of the blend films could be improved up to 200% with the increment of chitosan content, and the oxygen permeability decreased about 20% compared with the films without chitosan. It was found that LLDPE‐g‐MAH had obvious effects on the mechanical properties and oxygen permeability apart from the water vapour resistance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel degradable compound shape-memory-polymer blend: Mechanical and shape-memory properties

Considering the mechanical properties and shape-memory properties, we developed a novel biodegradable compound shape-memory-polymer blend composed of poly (l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLLCA) and poly (l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLLGA). In comparison with most reported shape-memory blends, our blend showed outstanding shape-memory properties at higher stationary-phase concentrations (more than 50% w/w). The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the immiscibility between PLLCA and PLLGA. The tensile test results revealed that blends with different PLLGA concentrations showed different mechanical properties. The results of the shape-memory tests suggested that the blends showed improved recovery and fixing performances with an increase in the PLLGA content, especially at PLLGA concentrations greater than 50 wt.%.     

Liquid sensing properties of melt processed polypropylene/poly(ε-caprolactone) blends containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The sensing properties of polypropylene (PP)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were studied in terms of their electrical resistance change in presence of liquids (solvents). The preparation of co-continuous blends based on the double percolation concept was done by melt mixing of electrically conductive PCL composites containing 3 wt.% MWNT and neat PP in ratios of 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50. The electrical resistance change of the PCL-MWNT composites and blends was monitored in a solvent immersion/drying cycle. Various solvents, such as n-hexane, ethanol, methanol, water, toluene, chloroform, and tetrahydrofuran were successfully detected, yielding different responses and reversibility of the resistance changes.PP and PCL were tested separately for solvent sorption using ethanol and n-hexane, both showing a low sorption of n-hexane. Ethanol sorption was large for PCL and almost absent for PP. The 50/50 blend composites with 3 wt.% MWNT in the PCL phase presented larger resistance changes for n-hexane, showing larger sensing ability for this solvent compared to PCL composites with 1 and 3 wt.% loadings. The opposite response was observed for immersion in ethanol where the PCL-MWNT composites showed larger changes than the blends. As the ratio of the conductive PCL phase over PP in the blend composition (i.e. the overall MWNT content) decreased, larger resistance changes were observed. The liquid sensing properties of compression-moulded discs and melt-drawn filaments were compared indicating higher responses for the discs.     

Dielectric properties of carbon black: SBR composites

A series of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites have been prepared with different weight ratios of polyacetylene based conducting carbon black (CCB) (0–90 phr). The SBR–CCB systems are characterized for dimensional stability which is enhanced by increasing the CCB loading because of enhancement in polymer-filler interaction. The electrical properties such as dielectric constant (ε_r), dissipation factor (tan δ) and dielectric loss (ε″) of the composites have been studied. The influence of different loading of CCB (0–90 phr), frequency of ac (100 Hz–30 MHz) and temperature (25–75 °C) on the electrical properties was studied. An increase in dielectric constant and tan δ of the SBR composites was observed with increase in CCB content and ac frequency. This is due to enhancement of filler–filler interaction and the increase in continuity of conducting phase. The surface morphology has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Mechanical and thermal properties of compatibilized composites of polyethylene and esterified lignin

Lignin have been esterified using phthalic anhydride and then blended with (up to 40 wt.%) low density polyethylene (LDPE). Maleic anhydride grafted LDPE has been added as compatibilizer. The mechanical and thermal properties of the blends were measured according to ASTM standards and compared with those of neat LDPE. The results reveal that addition of compatibilizer improved the mechanical properties significantly approaching values close to those of neat LDPE. The scanning electron micrographs of the blend specimens also support the above observations. Thermogravimetric analysis showed greater thermal stability for the compatibilized blends. The char content has been found to increase with increasing filler (lignin phthalate) content. DSC analysis revealed that the crystallinity values of the blends slightly increase by the addition of filler (lignin phthalate).     

The effects of a silane coupling agent on properties of rice husk-filled maleic acid anhydride compatibilized natural rubber/low-density polyethylene blend

Blends of natural rubber and low-density polyethylene were prepared in different weight compositions in presence of dicumyl peroxide and maleic acid anhydride. The effects of rice husk (RH) content and a silane coupling agent, that is, 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (3-APE, 1 wt% of filler content) on the physicomechanical properties and mass swell of the tested blend were investigated. The incorporation of untreated RH into the blend improved Young’s modulus, hardness but decreased tensile strength, elongation at break, impact strength, and mass swell. Incorporation of 3-APE has produced composite with improved tensile strength, Young’s modulus, hardness and impact strength with a sharp decrease in elongation, and better mass swell in comparison with untreated one. The effect of γ-irradiation doses on retained physicomechanical properties of RH (30 phr) filled blend samples before and after silane treatment was investigated at ambient temperature. The efficiency of silanized RH (30 phr) was also evaluated by the studies of the surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy) and thermal properties (thermal gravimetric analysis and thermal mechanical analysis).     

The effect of zinc oxide–phosphate core–shell pigments on the properties of blend rubber composites

In this work the rheological, physico-mechanical, thermal and morphology studies were performed on a blend of EPDM/SBR (ethylene propylene diene monomer/styrene butadiene rubber) (50/50) loaded with a new prepared core–shell pigment based on a core of zinc oxide which presents the major component of the prepared pigment (≈90%) covered with a shell of phosphate, this shell comprises only about (≈10%). The new pigments were added in different concentration to the rubber blend and were compared to blends pigmented with commercial zinc oxide and zinc phosphate. The results showed that the new pigments exhibited better rheometric, and physico-mechanical properties. In addition, these prepared pigments showed decrease of equilibrium swelling in toluene solvent and increase in crosslink density for EPDM/SBR blend. The efficiency of prepared core–shell pigments were also evaluated by studying the surface morphology (SEM) and thermal properties TGA (thermal gravimetric analysis). The prepared pigments loading of 10 phr (parts per hundred parts of rubber) showed the optimum properties of EPDM/SBR blend than rubber loaded with higher concentration of the commercial pigments, which indicated that the new core–shell pigment is more economic with better performance than commercial zinc oxide and phosphates individually.     

Perovskite oxynitride LaTiOxNy thin films: Dielectric characterization in low and high frequencies

Lanthanum titanium oxynitride (LaTiO_xN_y) thin films are studied with respect to their dielectric properties in low and high frequencies. Thin films are deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering on different substrates. Effects of nitrogen content and crystalline quality on dielectric properties are investigated. In low-frequency range, textured LaTiO_xN_y thin films deposited on conductive single crystal Nb-STO show a dielectric constant ε′ ≈ 140 with low losses tanδ = 0.012 at 100 kHz. For the LaTiO_xN_y polycrystalline films deposited on conductive silicon substrates with platinum (Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si), the tunability reached up to 57% for a weak electric field of 50 kV/cm. In high-frequency range, epitaxial LaTiO_xN_y films deposited on MgO substrate present a high dielectric constant with low losses (ε′ ≈ 170, tanδ = 0.011, 12 GHz).     

Effects of aluminium nitride inclusions on thermal and electrical properties of epoxy and polypropylene: An experimental investigation

Thermal and dielectric properties of polymers reinforced with micro-sized aluminium nitride (AlN) particles have been studied. A set of epoxy–AlN composites, with filler content ranging from 0 to 25 vol% is prepared by hand lay-up technique. With similar filler loading, polypropylene -AlN composites are fabricated by compression molding technique. Density (ρ_c), effective thermal conductivity (k_eff), glass transition temperature (T_g), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and dielectric constant (ε_c) of these composites are measured experimentally. The various experimental data were interpreted using appropriate theoretical models. Incorporation of AlN in both the resin increases the k_eff and T_g whereas CTE of composite decreases favourably. The dielectric constant of the composite also found to get modified with filler content. With improved thermal and modified dielectric characteristics, these AlN filled polymer composites can possibly be used for microelectronics applications.     

Rubber composites based on graphene nanoplatelets,expanded graphite,carbon nanotubes and their combination: A comparative study

Solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), expanded graphite (EG), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and the electrical and various mechanical properties were compared to understand the specific dispersion and reinforcement behaviours of these nanostructured fillers. The electrical resistivity of the rubber composite gradually decreased with the increase of filler amount in the composite. The electrical percolation behaviour was found to be started at 15 phr (parts per hundred rubber) for GnP and 20 phr for EG filled systems, whereas a sharp drop was found at 5 phr for MWCNT based composites. At a particular filler loading, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile test showed a significant improvement of the mechanical properties of the composites comprised of MWCNT followed by GnP and then EG. The high aspect ratio of MWCNT enabled to form a network at low filler loading and, consequently, a good reinforcement effect was observed. To investigate the effect of hybrid fillers, MWCNT (up to 5 phr) were added in a selected composition of EG based compounds. The formation of a mixed filler network showed a synergistic effect on the improvement of electrical as well as various mechanical properties.