Preparation and characterization of hybrid nanocomposites based on NBR/Nanoclay/Carbon black

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/carbon black (CB)/nanoclay (NC) nanocomposites containing 5 phr NC and 12, 24, and 48 phr CB with resorcinol/hexamethylenetetramine as compatibilizer were prepared in an internal mixer. The possible interacting behavior between NC and CB was studied by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cure rheometry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile test. The results show an increased cure rate upon incorporation of 5 phr NC to NBR especially in presence of CB. It is also observed that increasing CB content in nanocomposites leads to an extra enhancement in mechanical properties and crosslink density which can be attributed to the synergistic effect between NC and CB due to formation of physical and chemical network. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E181-E188, 2017. (C) 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers