Aramid pulp modified with imidazolium ionic liquids as a potential replacement for carbon black in fluorinated rubber composites

Abstract

Carbon black (CB) is the most used reinforcement for the manufacturing of rubber compounds. However, its harmful impact is well known, thus, alternative materials are developed day by day to replace CB. In this paper, aramid pulp (AP), a fibrillated configuration of aramid fibers, was used aiming to manufacture fluoroelastomer copolimer (FKM) composites with similar properties to those fabricated with CB. AP was incorporated at 5 per hundred of rubber (phr) and its physical/mechanical/thermal properties were compared with a commercial formulation (prepared with 30 phr of CB). The FKM/AP compounds presented similar mechanical properties to those of FKM/CB. Moreover, due to the entanglement mechanism for the FKM/AP, higher reinforcement effectiveness (ratio between the glassy and elastomeric modulus) is presented for these composites, compared with those FKM/CB. Ionic liquids (IL) promoted AP defibrillation, which also improved the entanglement of the reinforcement with the polymeric matrix. These features imparted higher dynamic mechanical thermal response and thermal resistance of the composites with AP and IL‐treated AP, compared with those reinforced with CB.

Preparation of GNP/SBR thermal conductivity composites with high strength and toughness by synergistic construction of interfacial multiple non‐covalent and covalent bonds

“…3 Therefore, in order to prepare rubber compounds with sufficient industrial properties and high physic-chemical response, CB needs to be used at a high amount in the rubber formulations. 4 Unfortunately, a high filling amount can lead to issues such as high hysteresis heat build-up and large dynamic energy loss. Rubber materials inherently possess poor thermal conductivity and high dynamic heat storage, making macromolecular chains and vulcanized crosslinked bonds more prone to heat degradation.…”

Hybrid enhancement of silica and aramid pulp on improving performance and reducing dynamic heat generation of natural rubber composites

“…6,7 But the most challenging aspect is the processability and the dispersion of silica filled into a nonpolar rubber matrix. 8 Because of a large number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica, it is easy to agglomerate and form secondary agglomerates. 9 Generally, silica/rubber composites are prepared by dry or wet processing.…”

“…18 Aramid fiber (AF) is one of the most widely used high-performance synthetic fibers. 8,19,20 Aramid fiber has the characteristics of high modulus, high specific strength and wear resistance. The properties of rubber composites can be improved by filling only a small amount of aramid fiber.…”

“…Silica as a kind of mineral filler shows more compatibility of the environment and it is the primary choice to prepare rubber tires with low rolling resistance and low heat build‐up 6,7 . But the most challenging aspect is the processability and the dispersion of silica filled into a nonpolar rubber matrix 8 . Because of a large number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica, it is easy to agglomerate and form secondary agglomerates 9 .…”

“…Aramid fiber (AF) is one of the most widely used high‐performance synthetic fibers 8,19,20 . Aramid fiber has the characteristics of high modulus, high specific strength and wear resistance.…”