Synthesis of vinyl-based silica nanoparticles by sol–gel method and their influences on network microstructure and dynamic mechanical properties of nitrile rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

Non-agglomeration and dispersion of silica nanoparticles in polymers and their interfacial interactions to polymer matrix are the most important factors that influence nanocomposites performance. In this work, vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) as a low VOC emission coupling agent was used for surface modification of silica nanoparticles to prepare better dispersion in nitrile rubber (NBR) and improve its interfacial interactions to silica nanoparticles. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy demonstrated successful attachment of VTES molecules on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Dispersion of the modified silica nanoparticles in NBR matrix was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and rubber process analysis. Results demonstrated that VTES significantly improved dispersion of nanoparticles in rubbery matrix. The bound rubber content showed that VTES effectively built a bridge between the silica nanoparticles and the rubber matrix that led to promising mechanical performances and strong interfacial interactions. Effect of nanoparticle content on the mechanical performances (static/dynamic) of the NBR was evaluated. It was found that higher modulus and reinforcement indices was obtained at 3 and 5 wt% of nanoparticles. Moreover, these composites had extremely low rolling resistance, the best wet skid resistance and the lowest Heat-Build up.

Improving the Mechanical/Anticorrosive Properties of a Nitrile Rubber-Based Adhesive Filled with Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Using a Two-Step Surface Modification Method

“…The results show that by incorporating pure CeO 2 nanoparticles into the rubber compound, the torque decreased to some extent (see Figure a,b). This should be attributed to the presence of surface hydroxyl groups that prohibit the complete vulcanization of rubber compounds. − Figure c shows that even after silanization of nanoparticles at an optimal concentration (i.e., X = 10), the torques decreased compared to pristine rubber. This should be attributed to the lower chance of grafting of silane molecules on the nanoparticle surface due to low OH content.…”

“…Nitrile rubbers (NBRs) have many applications in different industries due to their good resistance to oils, fuels, and organic solvents. − However, to use NBR for heavy-duty applications, it needs to be filled with nanofillers to obtain higher chemical/mechanical properties . However, several studies have reported weak dispersion of nanofillers in rubber matrices . The metal-oxide nanoparticles have weak interfacial interactions with the rubber matrix due to their hydrophilic nature that causes their agglomeration and poor dispersion in the rubber matrix.…”

“… 5 However, several studies have reported weak dispersion of nanofillers in rubber matrices. 6 The metal-oxide nanoparticles have weak interfacial interactions with the rubber matrix due to their hydrophilic nature that causes their agglomeration and poor dispersion in the rubber matrix. This lowers the mechanical/chemical properties of the prepared rubbery nanocomposite.…”

Viable Properties of Natural Rubber/Halloysite Nanotubes Composites Affected by Various Silanes

“…The maximum torque (M H ) and delta torque (M H –M L ) of composites loaded with silanized HNT were marginally higher than those of their unsilanized counterpart. Consequently, an interaction increased these values following the addition of silanes [ 24 ]. Another explanation would be the dependence of the chemical crosslinks raised from certain silane, as the sulfur atoms, amines, and vinyl groups may influence different crosslinking mechanisms.…”

Preparation of Self-Assembled Nanoparticle–Polymer Hybrids from Modified Silica Nanoparticles and Polystyrene-Block-Polyacrylic Acid Vesicles via the Co-Precipitation Method

“…The sol–gel method is a common process for preparing silica–polymer hybrids [ 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 ]. The molecular precursor forms a three-dimensional network within the polymer matrix during the sol–gel reaction [ 78 ].…”