Reinforcement of Bakelite Moulding Powder in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR): In Comparison with Cashew Nut Oil Modified Phenolic Resin

The influences of two phenolic resins, that is, cashew nut oil modified phenol-formaldehyde resin (CN-m-PF) and Bakelite moulding powder (BMP), on properties of carbon black filled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) were investigated and compared. Processability, cure characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal ageing resistance, and oil resistance of the NBR filled with various contents of phenolic resins (0-60 phr) were determined. The addition of both resins leads to a prolonged cure time with a greater value of torque difference. Regardless of the resin type, the improvement of compound processability and the enhancement of modulus and hardness of the NBR vulcanisates are observed with increasing resin content. However, many mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break and abrasion resistance are deteriorated. Thermal ageing resistance of the NBR vulcanisate is slightly improved in the presence of both resins, probably due to the dilution of NBR with the high heat-resistant phenol-formaldehyde resins. Results also disclose that all NBR vulcanisates demonstrate excellent oil resistance, regardless of the resin type and content. At any given resin content, CN-m-PF gives a better processability, higher stiffness and greater mechanical properties than BMP. However, due to its lower cost, BMP can be used to enhance stiffness of NBR vulcanisates without the risk of processing problem.