Mechanical and barrier properties of XNBR-clay nanocomposite: a promising material for protective gloves

Carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)-based gloves are commonly used to protect users’ hands from the aggressive environment in various industrial applications. Permeation resistance and mechanical properties of gloves should be simultaneously considered to accomplish adequate protection. Accordingly, in this study, XNBR was reinforced with different amounts of nanoclay and the resulting dispersion was examined using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that, nanoclay has been appropriately dispersed in XNBR lattice and therefore, considerable enhancements in mechanical properties, including tensile strength and modulus were gained. The permeation resistance of the synthesized nanocomposites was studied by two solvents, including perchlorethylene and aniline with low and high affinity to XNBR, respectively. Using permeation test cell, parameters of breakthrough time (BT) and steady-state permeation rate (SSPR) were determined. The BT and SSPR of aniline in nanocomposites with 3 phr nanoclay in comparison with neat polymer were increased 89 % and decreased by 11 %, respectively. Degradation resistance test of nanocomposite demonstrated acceptable integrity of its barrier properties after repeated exposure to selected chemicals. Analysis of mechanical properties and permeation indices of synthesized nanocomposites illustrated that the application of these materials for manufacturing protective gloves seems promising.