Mechanical properties of electron beam treated carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) composites reinforced by organic/inorganic hybrid filler

• Published in: Journal of composite materials 2012-05, Vol.46 (10), p.1151-1157
• Main Authors: Mousa, A, Heinrich, G, Gohs, U, Wagenknecht, U
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Butadiene; Byproducts; Carboxylated; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Fillers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Nanostructure; Nitriles; Physics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Scanning electron microscopy; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Structural and continuum mechanics; Technology of polymers; Vibration, mechanical wave, dynamic stability (aeroelasticity, vibration control...); Vulcanizing
• ISSN: 0021-9983; 1530-793X
• DOI: 10.1177/0021998311413687

Two types of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) composites were prepared; one of which was XNBR reinforced with organic filler-based olive solid by-product (OSB) and the other was XNBR reinforced with a combination of OSB and organo-layered nanoclay. To enhance the interaction between both the fillers and the matrix, the samples were exposed to electron beam (EB) treatment under ambient conditions. The samples were inspected with reference to their mechanical and dynamic mechanical (DMA) properties. It has been found that the tensile strength at break was enhanced after EB treatment for both composites. Such scenario was attributed to the irradiation-induced vulcanization. To support the observed trend, the pulse nuclear magnetic resonance technique was implemented. It has been found that the relaxation time (T2) was shortened after EB treatment. As further evidence on the fact that EB treatment was effective, the attenuated total reflectance infrared spectra were utilized as well. The IR results showed an increment in the spectra intensities after EB treatments. Scanning electron microscope revealed that EB treatment has turned their surface rough with an improved interaction between the matrix and the filler. DMA results were in harmony with the tensile properties in the sense that increased elastic modulus (E′) with filler incorporation. The intensity of the mechanical loss factor (tan δ) was a sign on the reinforcing capability of the fillers as well as improved interaction between the composite components.