Nanocomposites constituted by nitrile rubber matrix and Cloisite 15A (OC15A) as the organoclay were prepared by melt blending and cured with the m-phenylene-bis-maleimide (BMI)/dicumyl peroxide (DCP) system. The effect of mixing parameters on the clay dispersion was evaluated, including mixing temperature and time, and rotor speed of the internal mixer. The organoclay effectively accelerated the vulcanization reaction of NBR, which was attributed to the presence of the alkylammonium salt as the intercalant. All nanocomposites displayed improved tensile properties indicating a good reinforcing action of the clay. Also, the creep compliance was substantially reduced with the incorporation of the clay. X-ray diffraction studies showed the presence of intercalated and deintercalated clay population. The mixing parameters did not have an important effect on clay dispersion and properties of NBR-clay nanocomposites, except for the creep behavior.
Nitrile rubber; clay; X-ray diffraction; creep; nanocomposites; dynamic-mechanical properties; melt intercalation
