Thermal Stability and Aging Characteristics of HNBR/Clay Nanocomposites in Air, Water and Oil at Elevated Temperature

Abstract Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)/clay nanocomposites are prepared using conventional two-roll mill mixing technique. The structure and morphology of nanocomposites are characterized using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both intercalated and exfoliated clay structures are observed in HNBR/clay nanocomposites. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites is studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effect of organoclay on physical and mechanical properties of HNBR vulcanizates before and after aging in air, water and oil at 178 °C is also investigated. It is found that adding organoclay in HNBR elastomer greatly improves material thermal stability and aging performance in different medium at elevated temperature.