Polyisoprene-nanostructured carbon composite (PNCC) organic solvent vapour sensitivity and repeatability

In this paper highly structured carbon black (HSCB) dispersion method effect on polyisoprene-nanostructured carbon composite (PNCC) organic solvent vapour (OSV) sensitivity is presented. PNCC has been produced using two different HSCB dispersion techniques: (1) dry method: the HSCB dispersed in polyisoprene mixing ingredients by cold rolling and (2) wet method: the HSCB dispersed in chloroform by ultrasonic homogenizer and mixed with solution of rubber in chloroform by magnetic stirring. The sensitivity to OSV of the obtained PNCC is tested by holding the samples in vapour of toluene or ethyl acetate and measuring in situ electrical resistance, mass, and length of the sample. Obtained results indicate two mechanisms of the change of electrical resistance in PNCC. Repeatability of the response of PNCC is tested in case of toluene vapour.