Mechanical and functional properties of composites based on graphite and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber

In this study, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (xNBR)/expanded graphite (EG) nanocomposites were prepared with a latex compounding technique by ultrasonic stirring. The dispersion of EG in the xNBR matrix was investigated with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. EG could be exfoliated into lots of nanosheets dispersing in the xNBR matrix. More EG loading resulted in the presence of a few incompletely exfoliated agglomerates. The mechanical properties (hardness, tensile modulus, and tensile strength) of the xNBR/EG composites were determined. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was also performed, and it showed that the nanosheets of EG somewhat immobilized the motion of rubber macromolecular chains and led to the shifting and broadening of the tan δ peak toward higher temperatures. Many other functional properties of EG‐filled xNBR composites were studied, and it was established that the composites had excellent electrical conductivity as well as gas‐barrier and wear properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Structure and mechanical properties of nanodispersed fibrous silicate‐reinforced ethylene–propylene–diene monomer nanocomposites

In this study, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM)/fibrillar silicate (FS) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by mechanically blending EPDM with FS, which was modified by silane coupling agent KH570 containing methacryloxy group. The effects of silane content and modified FS on the dispersion of FS and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The impact of water in FS on mechanical properties of the composites was also evaluated. The results showed that modified FS could be dissociated into nanofibers dispersing evenly in the EPDM matrix by increasing substantially the loading of silane through the mechanical blending. The optimum loading level of silane coupling agent was up to 24 phr/100 phr FS. Silane KH570 could improve the dispersion of FS and strengthen nanofibers–rubber interfacial adhesion even at the loading of as high as 50 phr FS, making FS to exhibit excellent reinforcement to EPDM. Too much FS could not be completely dissociated into nanofibers, slowing down further improvement. The EPDM/FS composites exhibited the similar stress–strain behavior and obvious mechanical anisotropy with short microfiber‐reinforced rubber composites. With the increase in silane coupling agent and modified FS, the number of nanofibers increased because of the exfoliation of FS microparticles; thus, the mechanical behaviors would become more obvious. It was suggested that the free water in FS should be removed before mechanically blending EPDM with FS because it obviously affected the tensile properties of the composites. Regardless of whether FS was dried or modified, the EPDM/FS composites changed little in tensile strength after soaked in hot water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Conducting property of carbon black filled poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites as gas‐sensing materials

To reveal the role of crystalline polymers in carbon black (CB) filled amorphous polymer composites and improve the mechanical properties of composite films, CB/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were synthesized by polymerization filling in this work. The electrical conductive property and response to organic solvent vapors of the composites were investigated. The composites, characterized by a relatively low percolation threshold (～ 2.1 wt %), had lower resistivity than CB/PMMA composites prepared with the same method because of the different dispersion status of CB particles in the matrix polymer. The concentration and molecular weight of PEG notably influenced the electrical response of the composites against organic vapors. The drastic increase in the electrical resistance of the composites in various organic vapors could be attributed mainly to the swelling of the amorphous polymer matrix in the solvent but not to that of the crystalline polymer. These findings could help us to understand the conductive mechanism and electrical response mechanism of the composites as promising gas‐sensing materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

三单体接枝共聚物对PP/云母填充体系性能的影响

将固相法接枝合成的聚丙烯与甲基丙烯酸甲酯／马来酸酐／丙烯酸丁酯的接枝共聚物PP-g-MMA/MAH/BA应用于PP／云母填充体系。研究接枝物对体系的力学性能、微观形态、热性能、加工性能及表面性能等的影响。结果表明，在PP／云母填充体系中加入适当的三单体接枝共聚物，可提高体系的拉伸强度、弯曲强度、维卡软化点及表面极性，并降低制品的成型收缩率；同时，体系的加工性能也得到改善。     

A novel mica‐based composite with hybrid aramid fibers for electrical insulating applications: largely improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance

The fabrication of mica‐based composites with good mechanical properties is very important especially for electrical insulation applications. In this study, a new aramid fibrid along with chopped fibers was introduced into a mica system, and the composites were prepared using a papermaking machine. It was found that the mechanical properties of both fibrid–mica composite (F‐M paper) and fiber/fibrid–mica composite (A‐M paper) were largely improved in comparison with the reference sample (M paper) with an increase in the content of fibrid or hybrid floc/fibrid. This enhancement can be attributed to two mechanisms: (1) enhanced interfacial adhesion derived from the addition of fibrids with good flexibility and wrapping properties and (2) significant reinforcing due to the frameworks originating from the addition of chopped flocs with high modulus and rigid‐rod morphology. Interestingly, a synergetic effect of enhanced interfacial adhesion and reinforcing could also be observed when both flocs and fibrids were introduced, which further improved the mechanical properties. Furthermore, the addition of aramid fibrid greatly enhanced the moisture resistance, which expands the potential for mica‐based composites. Thus, we successfully fabricated a mica‐based composite for electrical insulation with good mechanical properties, high end‐use temperature and excellent moisture resistance by adding hybrid aramid fibers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

黑液-蒙脱土在丁基橡胶-三元乙丙橡胶并用体系中的应用研究

以黑液-蒙脱土(BL-MMT)为填充补强剂,制备了丁基橡胶(IIR)和三元乙丙橡胶(EPDM)的复合材料,考察了IIR与EPDM的比例、硫化体系和BL-MMT的量对BL-MMT/IIR/EPDM复合材料性能的影响。研究结果表明,IIR与EPDM比例减小可以改善BL-MMT/IIR/EPDM的加工性能,提高其耐热氧老化性能,IIR与EPDM比例为80/20时BL-MMT/IIR/EPDM复合材料的综合性能较好;普通(CV)硫化体系、半有效(SEV)硫化体系和有效(EV)硫化体系均可以使BL-MMT/IIR/EPDM复合材料共硫化,CV硫化体系得到的硫化胶综合物理性能最好,EV硫化体系得到的硫化胶耐热氧老化性能最好;综合BL-MMT/IIR/EPDM复合材料的力学性能及耐热氧老化性能,BL-MMT的填充量30份为宜。     

Nano-BN/Nano-TiO2 and micro Mg(OH)2 loaded hybrid ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer composites for outdoor high-voltage insulation application

This work deals with the synthesis, characterization of hybrid ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites loaded with nano-boron nitride (nano-BN)/nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) and micro Mg(OH)₂ particles for its suitability towards high-voltage insulation application. The elastomer samples were prepared by carefully dispersing the micro and nano fillers during the mastication process of EPDM polymer using a two roll mill, followed by vulcanization. The samples were characterized for mechanical, morphological, thermal, and electrical insulation properties. The highest tensile strength among the composite samples was noted for 1 phr nanoparticles loaded samples. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results show no change in the chemical moiety upon addition of nano-BN/nano-TiO₂ in EPDM composites. Enhancement in hydrophobicity is observed for 3 phr nano-TiO₂ loaded composites, which shows a maximum static contact angle of 110°. Meanwhile remarkable enhancement in the thermal conductivity and volume resistance of the composites are contributed to the addition of nano-BN, thereby achieving maximum dielectric breakdown voltage (i.e., ~21 kV/mm for EMB3). Scanning electron microscope images and atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography highlight that low concentration (i.e., 1 phr) based composites have homogeneous dispersion in matrix and excessive nano filler addition deteriorates properties by forming filler aggregates and increasing surface roughness.     

Performance of graphite filled composite based on benzoxazine resin

In this study, we aimed to prepare and characterize graphite filled composites based on benzoxazine resin for the bipolar plate in fuel cell. Three kinds of graphite (synthetic graphite, natural graphite, and expanded graphite) were used for the preparation of the graphite filled composites. The composites were prepared by means of the compression molding of mixtures of graphite and benzoxazine resin. The properties of the graphite filled composites based on benzoxazine resin were estimated by mechanical property, gas permeability, and electrical conductivity. As a result, it was found that graphite filled composites based on benzoxazine resin showed good gas impermeability, electrical conductivity and mechanical property compared with those of the graphite filled composites based on the conventional phenolic resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Abrasion resistance of thermoplastic polyurethane materials blended with ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber

The effect of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM) as an additive on the abrasion resistance of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin was investigated. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the resultant TPU/EPDM composites were evaluated, and the surface morphology of the composites after abrasion testing was examined. The results showed that the addition of EPDM greatly improved both the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of the TPU resin. A TPU/EPDM composite with 8 wt % EPDM demonstrated the highest tensile strength, the largest elongation at break, and the best overall performance. The abrasion of this composite was 27 mg, whereas that of the pure resin was 73 mg. With the further addition of EPDM, the abrasion resistance of the resultant composites decreased, whereas the viscosity increased. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Electrical and flammability properties of alumina trihydrate filled polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites as insulators in cable applications

Polymeric insulators role in power systems and insulation is one of the most important subjects in high voltage applications. This study investigates the effect of alumina trihydrate (ATH) loading on electrical and flammability properties of polypropylene (PP)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blend. ATH fillers were incorporated into the matrix to improve the tracking and flammability resistance of the composites. PP/EPDM (60:40) was used as matrix and compounding of ATH filled PP/EPDM composites was done using a twin‐screw extruder. Electrical and flammability tests of composites were performed. The results show that flammability decreased with increasing ATH loading in PP/EPDM composites. The effects of electrical stresses are investigated by measuring the carbon tracking (CT) and leakage current (LC) on the surface of composites. The CT and LC of PP/EPDM/ATH composites were found to decrease with increasing ATH content; however calculating the normalized degradation index (NDI) illustrated that all the sample were in accepted range. Field emission scanning electron microscope was used to relate the electrical properties with the morphological analysis, which showed that addition of ATH prevents the degradation of the matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:493–498, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of coupling agents on the mechanical properties of mica/epoxy and glass fiber/mica/epoxy composites

The effect of coupling agents, two silane and one zirconate, on the mechanical properties of mica/epoxy and glass fiber/mica/epoxy composites has been investigated. The results showed that tensile modulus and flexural strength and modulus values were improved by the surface treatment of the coupling agents. The property retention was also found to be better in the case of coupling agent-treated mica/epoxy samples after boiling in water for 2h. In the case of glass fiber/mica/epoxy composites, the flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength values improved with increase in mica content, but the effect of coupling agents was not pronounced.     

纳米氮化硅/三元乙丙橡胶复合材料的制备与性能

用甲基丙烯酸锌原位聚合改性纳米氮化硅,再将改性纳米氮化硅填充到三元乙丙橡胶中以制备纳米橡胶复合材料,研究了复合材料的基本力学性能、耐热老化性能、耐油性能和耐磨性能等。结果表明,添加改性的纳米氮化硅在一定程度上提高了三元乙丙橡胶的撕裂强度、扯断伸长率和拉伸强度,邵尔A硬度也小幅上升。当改性纳米氮化硅的添加量为1.0份(质量)时,纳米氮化硅/三元乙丙橡胶复合材料的耐热老化性能和耐油性能有一定程度的提高,其综合性能也达到最佳。用甲基丙烯酸锌原位聚合改性可以改善纳米氮化硅与三元乙丙橡胶基质间的界面作用,提高其在三元乙丙橡胶中的分散效果。     

Preparation,microstructure, mechanical,and thermal properties of in situ polymerized polyimide/organically modified sericite mica composites

In this work, sericite mica was initially modified with a multi‐step procedure and the novel composites of polyimide (PI) with the organophilic sericite mica were subsequently synthesized via in situ polymerization technique. XRD patterns revealed d₀₀₂‐spacing of clay was expanded from 0.99 to 2.77 nm. TEM photographs indicated majority of the organoclay exhibited an exfoliated morphology structure in composites with 5 wt% filler loading. Several critical properties of composites such as thermal stability, mechanical property, and storage modulus were tremendously enhanced with the increasing organoclay loading. Especially, the glass transition temperature of composites with 7 wt% organoclay addition revealed a 72°C increment compared with pristine PI, indicating greater improvement than the reported literature values. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2243–2251, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polyetheretherketone composites reinforced with surface modified mica

Mica fillers reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites were fabricated using compression molding technique. To improve embedding of the mica within the PEEK matrix, the mica surface was chemically modified using vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMO), at variable concentration (0–1.5 wt%). The performance characteristics and treated mica PEEK at mica loading of 20 wt% composites were examined in terms of scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile strength and modulus improved to the tune of 81 and 44% with treated mica‐filled PEEK composites. Mechanical tests revealed improved properties of VTMO‐treated mica/PEEK composites, which confirmed improved interfacial adhesion with chemical treatment. The increment of the dynamic modulus for the treated mica PEEK composites was also noticed to 82% as compared with untreated counterpart, at elevated temperatures of 250°C, indicating apparent improvement of high‐temperature mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:2121–2128, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of the clay modification and compatibilizer on the structure and mechanical properties of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber/montmorillonite composites

Ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM)/montmorillonite (MMT) composites were prepared through a melt process, and three kinds of surfactants with different ammonium cations were used to modify MMT and affect the morphology of the composites. The morphology of the composites depended on the alkyl ammonium salt length, that is, the hydrophobicity of the organic surfactants. Organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT), modified by octadecyltrimethyl ammonium salt and distearyldimethyl ammonium salt, was intercalated and partially exfoliated in the EPDM matrix, whereas OMMT modified by hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride exhibited a morphology in which OMMT existed as a common filler. Ethylene–propylene–diene rubber grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH‐g‐EPDM) was used as a compatibilizer and greatly affected the dispersion of OMMT. When OMMTs were modified by octadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and distearydimethyl ammonium chloride, the EPDM/OMMT/MAH‐g‐EPDM composites (100/15/5) had an exfoliated structure, and they showed good mechanical properties and high dynamic moduli. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 638–646, 2004     

Natural rubber/ethylene propylene diene blends for high insulation iron crossarms

This research studied the composition and behavior of natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends at various carbon black concentrations (0–30 phr) in terms of electrical resistivity, dielectric breakdown voltage testing, and physical properties. The blends having electrical properties suitable for application in high‐insulation iron crossarms were selected for investigation of compatibility and increased physical properties. The effect of the homogenizing agent concentration on improvement of compatibility of blends was studied by scanning electron microscopy, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and rheology techniques. We also examined mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, and hardness. The NR/EPDM blends filled with a fixed concentration of silica were investigated for ozone resistance. A carbon black content as high as 10 phr is still suitable for the insulation coating material, which can withstand electrical voltage at 10 kVac. Addition of the homogenizing agent at 5 phr can improve the mechanical compatibility of blends, as evidenced by the positive deviation of shear viscosity of the rubber blend, that is, the calculated shear viscosity being higher than that of experimental data. Moreover, the pulsed NMR results indicated that the spin‐spin relaxation (T₂) of all three components of the rubber blend was compressed upon the addition of the homogenizing agent. The ratio of NR/EPDM in the blend to best resist the ozone gas is 80/20 with the addition of silica of 30 phr into the blend. Also, the NR/EPDM filled with silica had a decreased change in thermal and mechanical properties of blends after thermal aging. The synergistic effect of silica content and high NR content (80) in 20 phr EPDM could improve antioxidation by ozone in the absence of a normal antioxidant for natural rubber. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3401–3416, 2004     

绢云母对EPDM胶料性能的影响

以三元乙丙橡胶为基体材料，TMTD，氧化锌、硫黄、白炭黑等为配合剂，绢云母为填料制备了橡胶胶料；对绢云母进行了热失重、差热分析和电镜扫描；试验了绢云母粒度和配比变化对胶料性能的影响。结果表明，绢云母具有良好的补强效果。当配方为EPDM，100；白炭黑，10；TMTD，2；氧化锌，5；M，1；硬脂酸，2；硫黄，2；绢云母，125时，可以获得具有良好力学性能的材料。     

活性预处理三元乙丙橡胶/天然橡胶并用胶的性能

采用硫载体硫化剂4,4′-二硫化二吗啉(DTDM)对三元乙丙橡胶(EPDM)进行活性预处理,研究了活性预处理EPDM/天然橡胶(NR)并用胶的性能,并探讨了活性预处理EPDM对并用胶力学性能影响的机理。结果表明,预处理EPDM/NR并用胶的共硫化程度得到改善,并用硫化胶的力学性能提高;并用硫化胶的耐老化性能优于NR硫化胶,但比未处理EPDM/NR并用硫化胶差;并用胶只存在1个玻璃化温度的转变区,两相的相容性得到改善;在高温动态条件下,EPDM与DTDM发生活性反应,但未生成大量凝胶。     

Flammability,thermal stability,and mechanical properties of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/polypropylene composites filled with intumescent flame retardant and inorganic synergists

Three kinds of inorganic particles, zinc borate (ZB), organic montmorillonite (OMMT), and expanded graphite (EG) as synergistic flame retardants, are incorporated into ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/polypropylene (EPDM/PP) composites filled with intumescent flame retardants (IFR). The effect of three synergistic flame retardants on the combustion, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the EPDM/PP/IFR composites are investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy, mechanical property testing, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results from LOI, UL-94, and CCT show that the synergistic effect of IFR with ZB and EG is better than IFR with OMMT in the flame retardant EPDM/PP/IFR composites. The TGA results indicate that the thermal stability and char residues of the composites is improved with the addition of inorganic particles, which is attributed to the formation of dense char layers to isolate heat flow. DMA results including storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and loss factor (tan δ) suggest that the composites with inorganic particles exhibit more rubber-filler interaction, which limits the movement of the rubber chains.     

Sepiolite hybridized commercial fillers,and their effects on curing process,mechanical properties,thermal stability,and flammability of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber composites

Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)-based composites containing sepiolite (sep) hybridized with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), silica (Sil) or carbon black (CB) were prepared on a two-roll mill. The influence of fillers’ contents on the curing, mechanical, thermal and flammability of the composites was investigated. In comparison with EPDM/sep at 30 parts per hundred rubbers (phr) as a control composite, EPDM/sep/CB composites exhibited an outstanding improvement in tensile strength followed by EPDM/sep/Sil and EPDM/sep/CaCO₃ composites. EPDM/sep/CB displayed the highest thermal stability and also improved flammability resistance. In addition, a higher amount of carbon black gave higher tensile strength. The results were influenced by the ability of CB to disperse well and form protective layers acting as mass transport barriers in the matrix. The field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses proved better dispersion of CB in the matrix. The presence of protective layers on the surface of samples consequently improved the thermal properties of the EPDM composites. The mechanism of formation of char protective layer in hybrid EPDM composites was also investigated based on morphological observations of char residues. According to this work, Sil and CB were able to hybrid with sep, while sep could be a potential substitution of CaCO₃ in the EPDM composites.