Synthesis and Properties of Nano Carboxylic Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Latex Toughened Phenolic Resin

Nano carboxylic acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex-toughened-phenolic resins (XNBRL-PF) were prepared by in situ polymerization in this work. The influence of nano XNBRL on the microstructure and physical properties of modified PF resin was investigated. Impact test testified that the impact strength of XNBRL-PF was remarkably improved compared to pure PF and as the content of XNBRL increased to 10 wt %, the impact strength of the XNBRL-PF kept increasing. Scanning electron microscope analysis of the fracture surface of the XNBRL-PF indicated that the XNBRL were uniformly dispersed in the PF matrix, with diameters ranging from 200 to 400 nm. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved that chemical reaction occurred between XNBRL and PF matrix, which can greatly improve the interface interaction between rubber particles and PF matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis test showed that the incorporation of XNBRL can improve the thermostability of PF at low temperatures. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1079-1084, 2012