Compatibilizer effect on Organosilicate reinforced NBR nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of intercalated and exfoliated organosilicates in acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) were prepared by a two-stage melt blending method. The dispersion and interlayer space of organosilicates in these nanocomposites were examined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Dramatic enhancements in the mechanical and thermal properties of NBR were found by incorporating less than ten parts of organosilicates. In particular, the addition of 10 phr of the organosilicate in NBR provided more than a 360% increase in tensile strength, a two-fold increase in M500, a 93% increase in tear strength and a relative enhancement in elongation at break, as compared to the neat NBR. The degradation temperature for NBR with ten parts loading of organosilicate was 25 °C higher than that of the neat NBR. In addition, the relative vapor permeability of nanocomposites containing 15 phr of layered silicates was reduced, as compared to the neat NBR.