Zirconia particles are generated
into a nitrile rubber (NBR) matrix
via a solution sol–gel method in a controlled manner. Formation
of zirconia particles from their precursor (zirconium(IV) propoxide)
occurs under optimized reaction conditions. As a result, the nanoparticles
are embedded and well dispersed in the NBR matrix that results in
a remarkable improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of the
composite. Such reinforcement is not realized when the composites
are prepared following the conventional technique of filler loading
by physical mixing, although the filler content remains the same.
Use of a surface active coupling agent TESPT (bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)
tetrasulfide) in the reactive sol–gel system is found to further
boost the mechanical performance of the composites. In order to ensure
the practical application of the developed composites, a series of
studies have been performed that consist of dynamic performance, swelling,
thermal degradation, and resistance to oil, ozone, and abrasion. Analysis
of the results reveals that in situ zirconia could
be an excellent filler for the NBR composites to withstand in a harsh
and adverse environment.
Uniform dispersion of metal oxide‐like zirconia in elastomeric matrix is an essential requisite to deliver proper reinforcement. However, inadequate compatibility between the hydrophobic elastomer and the hydrophilic zirconia surface makes this a difficult task. In this work, three different surface modifiers, namely, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS: a surfactant), 3‐(trimethoxy silyl) propyl methacrylates (MPS: an organosilane), and tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris: an amine buffer) are employed to modify the surface of sol–gel derived in‐situ generated zirconia. Effect of surface modification of zirconia by these different kinds of surface modifiers on zirconia‐filled nitrile rubber (NBR) composite has been critically investigated in terms of thermal, morphological, mechanical, swelling, rheological, and dielectric properties. Temperature of maximum degradation (Tmax) of the NBR gum (439 °C) is improved upon incorporation of all type of modified zirconia while that is maximum for Tris‐modified zirconia‐filled composite (458 °C). Similar trend is observed in stress–strain study where Tensile strength is enhanced up to six times for the filled composites relative to NBR gum (1.03 MPa) and the highest value is shown by Tris‐modified zirconia‐filled composite (6.35). This study reveals that Tris could be a potential surface modifier for metal oxides like zirconia, as an alternate to organosilane, to reinforce the elastomer matrices.
Chloroprene rubber (CR) composites, embedded with a well dispersed zirconia, within it’s matrix are produced that combine superior reinforcement of zirconia with the other useful composite properties. The in-situ incorporated...
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