Effect of carbon nanofibers on mechanical and electrical behaviors of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber composites

Abstract

Recently, carbon nanofibers have become an innovative reinforcing filler that has drawn increased attention from researchers. In this work, the reinforcement of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was studied to determine the potential of carbon nanofibers as reinforcing filler in rubber technology. Furthermore, the performance of NBR compounds filled with carbon nanofibers was compared with the composites containing carbon black characterized by spherical particle type. Filler dispersion in elastomer matrix plays an essential role in polymer reinforcement, so we also analyzed the influence of dispersing agents on the performance of NBR composites. We applied several types of dispersing agents: anionic, cationic, nonionic, and ionic liquids. The fillers were characterized by dibutylphtalate absorption analysis, aggregate size, and rheological properties of filler suspensions. The vulcanization kinetics of rubber compounds, crosslink density, mechanical properties, hysteresis, and conductive properties of vulcanizates were also investigated. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images were used to determine the filler dispersion in the elastomer matrix. The incorporation of the carbon nanofibers has a superior influence on the tensile strength of NBR compared with the samples containing carbon black. It was observed that addition of studied dispersing agents affected the performance of NBR/CNF and NBR/carbon black materials. Especially, the application of nonylphenyl poly(ethylene glycol) ether and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate contributed to enhanced mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of NBR/CNF composites.

Silane Treatment as an Effective Way of Improving the Reinforcing Activity of Carbon Nanofibers in Nitrile Rubber Composites

“…The results presented in this work show the great potential of silanization as an effective method for improving the reinforcing effects of CNF in nitrile rubber composites. This was evidenced by more satisfactory rheological, crosslink density, and mechanical results for NBR filled with APTS-CNF compared to those presented in our previous studies on NBR composites reinforced with the same loads of raw CNF or CNF with ionic liquids [17,25]. Carbon nanofibers modified with APTS in ethanol solution showed more reinforcing activity in the NBR composites than those applied in an in-situ process.…”

“…Attempts have been made to improve the dispersion of CNF in polymer matrixes using mechanical stirring [ 14 ], ultrasonication [ 15 ], surfactants [ 16 ], and ionic liquids [ 17 ]. Although all these methods may facilitate the uniform dispersion of CNF in a polymer matrix, their effects on the final properties of the composite are not always positive.…”

“…In comparison, elastomer-filled systems have received relatively little attention. In our previous work [ 17 ], we focused on the effects of different non-ionic surfactants and ionic liquids on the properties of nitrile rubber (NBR) filled with CNF. The results were quite satisfactory, as both the distribution of CNF in the NBR matrix and the properties of the final composites improved.…”

Reinforcement of Natural Rubber Latex Using Jute Carboxycellulose Nanofibers Extracted Using Nitro-Oxidation Method

“…A potential reinforcing agent for the latex rubbers is the derivatives of natural cellulose polymers [14][15][16][17][18][19]. These polymers are called carboxycellulose and have been widely used for biomedical applications such as surgical sutures [20][21][22].…”

Synergetic effect of aramid nanofiber‐graphene oxide hybrid filler on the properties of rubber compounds for tire tread application

“…The previously mentioned properties are mostly affected by the characteristics of rubber compounds for tire tread, which can be heavily dictated by choice of reinforcing nanofiller. Therefore, to meet the performance requirements for tire tread compounds, researchers have relied on fillers, including carbon black, 3 silica, 4,5 graphene oxides, [6][7][8][9] carbon nanotubes, [10][11][12] nano clays, 13,14 and nanofibers [15][16][17][18] to act as nanoscale reinforcement. Specifically, carbon black and silica have been commonly used in the industry for reinforcing rubber compounds.…”