Morphology and rheological properties of nanocomposites based on nitrile rubber and organophilic layered silicates

Organo-montmorillonite/nitrile rubber (NBR) nanocomposites were prepared by a melt intercalation process. The characteristics of NBR nanocomposites were determined by an oscillating disk rheometer and transmission electron microscopy. The cure characteristics were investigated according to the change in clay content and clay types. This study confirmed that organo-montmorillonite/NBR nanocomposites have various cure characteristics, namely minimum torque, maximum torque, scorch time and curing time, according to the change in clay content and clay types. In particular, as the chain length of the modifier used for the treatment of Na+-MMT following vulcanization increases, scorch time and optimum curing time are reduced. This is because, as the chain length of the modifier increases, organo-MMT is distributed more equally during the formation of the nanocomposites. As swelling increases, the chain length of the clay modifier expands and then constitutes a better barrier. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry