The effect of filler particles on the properties of elastomeric materials based on different network precursorst

Abstract

Dedicated to Professor F. E. Karasz on the occasion of his 75th birthday The incorporation of nanoparticles to rubber compound with subsequent conversion to a network by crosslinking leads to a materials of great complexity. As compared to micron size filler particles the nano size filler particles are able to occupy substantially greater number of sites in the polymer matrix. Selecting proper network precursors for a specific application requires an evaluation of the environment in which it is anticipated to operate and the performance required. Compared to carbon black, silica has two advantages for fundamental investigations: it has a simpler geometry and it can be functionalized in different ways to control its degree of interaction with the polymer (i.e.), compatibility to enhance dispersion and/or mechanical coupling by covalent or non-bonded interactions. In this contribution, studies of elastomers based on ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) have been performed. To enhance the quality of elastomers, an attempt was made to prepare technologically feasible blends comprising non-polar EPDM rubber and NBR with high performance. The properties of elastomeric composites were determined before and after thermal aging in an air circulating oven. The elastomers based on EPDM/NBR (80:20) were reinforced either with high abrasion furnace carbon black (46 nm) or with precipitated silica (22 nm) or its combination. Comparative values of tensile strength before and after weathering were analyzed. It was estimated considerable performance enhancement of rubber blends by reinforcing with dual active fillers. © 2010 American Chemical Society.