Role of CNT/clay hybrid on the mechanical, electrical and transport properties of NBR/NR blends

Hybrid fillers are making a remarkable improvement in the properties of polymeric systems. In the present study, the influence of hybrid of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and nanoclay on the mechanical, electrical and transport properties of nitrile rubber (NBR)/natural rubber (NR) blends has been investigated. Attempts were made to prepare NBR/NR/CNT/nanoclay composites on a two-roll mill and to study various mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion loss and compression set percent. Transport, thermal and electrical properties were also investigated. By virtue of the synergism between MWCNT and nanoclay, the composites exhibited enhancement in the mechanical properties by the immobilization of rubber chains via coupling action between the filler surface and the rubber molecules. The fine and uniform dispersion of both CNT and clay in composite samples supported the observation. The hybrid filler system had a great impact on the thermal and electrical properties of the composites. [GRAPHICS] .