The effect of nanosilica on mechanical and swelling resistance properties of ternary rubber (NR/SBR/NBR) blends nanocomposites

Abstract The production of a new class of plastics with improved properties can be achieved through polymer blends rather than using individual components. This study involved the preparation of nanocomposites using melt compounding, where ternary blends comprising natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and acrylonitrile rubber (NBR) were combined with nanosilica (NS). In the present study, silica nanoparticles (NS) were prepared from rice husk ash to be utilized as a nanofiller in rubber nanocomposites. Subsequently, the study investigated the mechanical properties of these ternary NR/SBR/NBR blend nanocomposites. Throughout the study, the NR/SBR/NBR content remained constant at 30/30/40 phr, and an ultrablend 4000 at 3 phr was used as a compatibilizer, while varying the fractions of nanosilica. The study's results demonstrated that introducing nanofillers led to a notable enhancement in the stability of both scorch time and the optimal cure time of the nanocomposites. Moreover, the nanosilica content was directly proportional to the increase in tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation, elongation at break %, abrasion resistance, and compression set of the nanocomposites. However, the mole percent uptake exhibited a noteworthy decrease as the nanosilica content increased. Further analysis using FESEM of the tensile fracture surfaces revealed that the inclusion of nanosilica in the nanocomposites led to better adhesion of NR/SBR/NBR rubber and enhanced tensile properties. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing nanocomposites in polymer blends to enhance the overall performance of elastomers.