Nanocomposites of nitrile rubber and organophilic montmorillonite: blend and properties

In this work, the commercial organo clay, Cloisite 15A (OC15A), was incorporated into NBR matrix by two types of intercalation: in the molten state and solution. All rubber composites were cured with m-phenylene-bis-maleimide/dicumyl peroxide system. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the melt processing always resulted in a de intercalation of the clay in high extent, whereas no diffraction peak was detectable in composites prepared by the solution process. The best mechanical performance was observed in samples prepared by solution processing. The storage modulus obtained from dynamic mechanical experiments was higher in solvent-intercalated systems, suggesting good reinforcing action. The tensile creep response of the composites was determined in short-term creep tests. (author)