Controlling the deintercalation in hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites by curing with peroxide

The effect of peroxide vulcanization on organoclay dispersion in hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)/organo-montmorillonite (organo-MMT) nanocomposites was investigated. Three types of organoclays were tested, one containing a primary amine and two bearing quaternary intercalants. In contrast to sulfur vulcanization, which in combination with primary amine intercalants produced a confined/deintercalated clay structure, the peroxide curing yielded well-ordered intercalated nanocomposites. The tensile mechanical performance and oxygen permeability of the HNBR nanocomposites were determined.