Thermogravimetric analysis and thermal ageing of crosslinked nitrile rubber/poly-(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) blends

• Published in: Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry 2001, Vol.63 (3), p.749-763
• Main Authors: VARGHESE, H, BHAGAWAN, S. S, THOMAS, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Applied sciences; Carbon black; Crosslinking; Decomposition; Energy of dissociation; Ethylene vinyl acetates; Exact sciences and technology; Fillers; Free energy; Heat of formation; Mechanical properties; Nitrile rubber; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymer blends; Properties and characterization; Thermal stability; Thermodynamic properties; Thermogravimetric analysis; Thermogravimetry; Vinyl acetate
• ISSN: 1388-6150; 1588-2926
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1010144205297

The thermal behaviour of nitrile rubber (NBR)/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) blends was studied by thermogravimetry. The effects of blend ratio, different crosslinking systems (sulphur, peroxide and mixed), various fillers (silica, clay and carbon black) and filler loading on the thermal properties were evaluated. It was found that the initial decomposition temperature increased with the addition of NBR to EVA. Among the various crosslinking systems studied, the peroxide cured system showed the highest initial decomposition temperature. This is associated with the high bond dissociation energy of C–C linkages. The addition of fillers improved the thermal stability of the blend. The mass loss at different temperatures and activation energy of degradation were also studied. The thermal ageing of these blends was carried out at 50 and 100°C for 72 h. It was seen that the properties are not affected by the mild ageing condition. Also, the peroxide cured system was found to exhibit better retention in properties, than other crosslinking systems.