Correlation between mechanical and microstructural properties of vulcanized polyisoprene, polychloroprene, and nitrile-butadiene rubber subjected to accelerated thermal aging

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to correlate the effects of thermal aging on the macroscopic properties and microstructural changes for three vulcanized rubber types. The materials were subjected to accelerated thermal aging for periods between 0 and 168 h at 100°C. This aging was evaluated by investigating the mechanical properties and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman analysis. The results showed that subjecting the materials to thermal aging for a longer time decreased the elongation at break and tear strength and increased the hardness, while tensile strength exhibited different behavior and followed a different trend. The spectroscopy analyses indicated that there is a decrease in the amount of C=C present in the polymer as the aging time increased, which could be identified by the decrease in peak intensity at 1537 and 1600 cm−1 in the FTIR and Raman spectrum, respectively. These results were attributed mainly to an increase in cross-link density, which caused degradation of the material, essentially by a loss of ductility. A good linear relation ( R2 approximately 0.95) between changes in the intensity of FTIR peaks for the C=C signal and changes in elongation at break and hardness was found, concluding that these are good indicators of degradation in elastomers.

Investigation of mechanical properties and microstructural analysis of polymeric waste strengthened hybrid composites

“…It was found to be 68.2 Shore A. 17,24–26

Figure 4.Hardness and tear strength of pure NR composite and NR/BR/SBRGTR composites.

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“…It was found to be 68.2 Shore A. 17,[24][25][26] Tear strength value is enhanced with the incorporation of fillers and elastomers in pure NR due to the good distribution of fillers and elastomers in pure NR. The tear strength was improved by 7.46% in pure NR.…”

“…It was concluded that the addition of GTR in various proportions reduced Eb compared to pure NR and NR/BR/SBR composites. 17,24,26,28,29…”

COVID-19 discarded disposable gloves as a source and a vector of pollutants in the environment

“…These changes significantly influence both mechanical and chemical properties ( Liu et al, 2016 ). Changes in mechanical properties of aged NBR was also tested by Hernández et al (2018) . Accelerated thermal aging was performed for up to 168 h at 100°C.…”

“…Accelerated thermal aging was performed for up to 168 h at 100°C. The degradation process has worsened mechanical properties of NBR (tear and tensile strength and elongation at break) ( Hernández et al, 2018 ). In the literature, no available data regards changes of morphology and chemical properties of aged nitrile DPGs.…”