Influence of hybrid nanostructures and its tailoring mechanism on permeability, rheology, conductivity, and adhesion properties of a novel rubber blend nanocomposite

Abstract

The present work provides an extensive insight into the effect of hybrid nanofillers and their structure–property relationship in nanocomposites based on bromobutyl rubber (BIIR)/polyepichlorohydrin rubber (CO) blends. TEM photomicrographs reveal high degrees of dispersion of the nanoclay with the formation of hybrid nanostructures. The rheological behavior of the nanocomposites displays a shear thinning nature and significant reduction of die swell (up to 13% reduction) is observed with increase in the dosage of nanoclay. The addition of the nanoclay drastically reduces the air permeability up to 17%, increases electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of the rubber nanocomposites. Adhesion of rubber to the fabric ply is found to be good in the nanocomposite having a lower dosage of nanoclay. These unique attributes were found to stem from the fundamental viscoelastic characteristics i.e., increase in the entanglement density due to the hybrid nanostructures. The development of hybrid nanostructures and their significant contribution to the improvements of properties are schematically explained. Rubber formulations with such suitably tailored nanostructures will find their applications for next generation rubber based industrial products.