Preparation and Properties of the Attapulgite/NBR Nanocomposites

A novel nano-composite of attapulgite(AT)/butadiene nitrile rubber(NBR) was prepared by mechanical blending method.The effect of AT content,the kinds of coupling agents on the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of the AT/NBR nano-composite was investigated.The microstructure of AT and its dispersed microstructure in the nano-composite was observed and analyzed using TEM and SEM.The results showed that AT separated and dispersed in the NBR matrix as original nano-crystal by the general mechanical shear force,and finally formed the AT/NBR nano-composite.With the increasing of AT content,the t10 and t90 of the AT/NBR composites shortened,the hardness,tensile strength,modulus and tear strength all increased firstly and then gradually decreased or maintained;and AT optimized content for NBR was 40 phr.Si69 had the best modification effect on AT when comparing with the other silane coupling agents at the same content,and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the prepared Si69/AT/NBR were close to those filled by silica or carbon black.