Composites based on carbon black reinforced NBR/EPDM rubber blends

• Published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering Engineering, 2013-02, Vol.45 (1), p.333-340
• Main Authors: Jovanović, Vojislav, Samaržija-Jovanović, Suzana, Budinski-Simendić, Jaroslava, Marković, Gordana, Marinović-Cincović, Milena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: activation energy; Apparent activation energy; Applied sciences; B. Mechanical properties; Blends; carbon; Carbon black; Composites; crosslinking; Cures; D. Electron microscopy; D. Thermal analysis; Elongation; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; hardness; Laminates; Mechanical properties; Nitrile rubber; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymer industry, paints, wood; rheometers; Rubber; scanning electron microscopes; Scanning electron microscopy; synergism; Technology of polymers; temperature; tensile strength; thermal stability
• ISSN: 1359-8368; 1879-1069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.05.020

This paper investigates the effect of carbon black filler (CB) (loading 60–100phr) on the cure kinetics, mechanical properties, morphology and thermal stability of acrylonitrile-butadiene/ethylene-propylene-diene (NBR/EPDM) rubber blends. The determination of cure characteristics was estimated by Monsanto Oscillating Disc Rheometer R-100. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus at 200% and 300% elongation, hardness, have been measured at room temperature on an electric tensile testing machine (Zwick 1425) according to ASTM D 412. Morphology of the cross linked system was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cure kinetics were determined from three temperature rheokinetic curves (T1=160°C, T2=180°C and T3=190°C). From obtained results of NBR/EPDM/CB (80/20/70) composite, a correlation between mechanical properties and calculated activation energy of cross link (Eac) and reversion (Ear) process can be concluded. Maximum tensile strength values and synergism for this blend has been observed. The apparent activation energy values (Ea) of degradation were determined by the Kissinger method for NBR, EPDM and NBR/EPDM/CB rubber blend. Ea for the NBR/EPDM/CB rubber blend composite is lower (45.1kJ/mol) compared to Ea for the rubber based on NBR (156kJ/mol) and EPDM (75kJ/mol), which indicates easier formation of rubber blend.