Experimental investigation on chloroprene and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber types reinforced with nano-materials

In this research, the effects of three different nano-materials (Nano-Carbon Black, Nano-ZnO, and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs)) on two different rubber types (Chloroprene Rubber (CR), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)) were experimentally investigated. In order to achieve this purpose, mechanical tests and detailed aging tests (in air, oil and fuel) were conducted conforming to international standards. Three different nano-materials were added to rubber with different combinations. A good dispersion of MWNTs within the polymer matrix was monitored by using field-emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). It was observed that nano-materials both have positive and detrimental effects on hardness, tensile strength, ductility and aging tests performance. It was observed that nano-material reinforced rubber composites are thermally more stable than current products. Most significantly, it was seen that compression set value, which is a critical property for rubber grade, decreased with the addition of MWNTs. Therefore, rubber products with higher sealing capacity and longer service life can be obtained by adding MWNTs.