Tailoring Properties of Polybutadiene Rubber based Nanocomposites by using In-Situ and Ex-Situ Approaches

Abstract

Literature shows that BR/Nanocomposites are mostly prepared using solution method or melt compounding method. But the problem with solution process is economically infeasible process also its not environment friendly due to major waste of solvent, while melt intercalation solves them but it gives poor dispersion of nanofillers hence weak interaction between the polymer and nanofillers leading to the objective of the work is to to improve the performance of BR nanocomposites through melt compounding method in terms of physico-mechanical properties, thermal properties as well as enhanced dispersion of fillers which can be economically viable and environment friendly process. In ex-situ process of synthesizing nanocomposites reinforcing agents (fillers) used are carbon nanotube (CNT), nanosilica, Cloisite 20A, Cloisite Na+, Combination of Cloisite 20A and Na+. In terms of ex-situ nanocomposites physico-mechanical properties like cut and chip, abrasion, heat build-up are reported here. Also properties of conventional fillers like carbon black and silica were compared with the nanofillers. To overcome the problem of weak intercalation and/or poor dispersion, different types of nanofillers like multiwalled carbon nanotubes and nanosilica are incorporated into the polymer matrix.Effect of nanofillers on kinetics of polymerization is also done, how nanofillers affects the polymerization with fillers is reported here. Along with in-situ polymerization of the fillers their kinetic study, reaction behavior in terms of exothermicity and conversion have been studied and presented here. Also micro structure and thermal properties of the polymer are tested and reported.