Novel in situ coordination copper sulfate/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber composite

A novel rubber composite of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) filled with anhydrous copper sulfate (CUSO4) particles was investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, tensile testing, and an equilibrium swelling method were used for the characterization of this novel CuSO4/NBR composite. The results indicated that the composite had wonderful mechanical properties, which profited from the in situ coordination crosslinking interactions between the nitrile groups (-CN) of NBR and solid CuSO4 particles. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy results showed that CuSO4 particles played two roles, acting as both crosslink agents and reinforcing fillers in the matrix. The double actions of CuSO4 gave the CuSO4/NBR composites their excellent mechanical properties. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 571-576, 2007.