How the hindered amines affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of nitrile-butadiene rubber composites

Different hindered amines, GW-622 and GW-944, were added to a nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix to prepare a hybrid damping material. The microstructure, compatibility, and dynamic mechanical properties of the hindered amine/NBR composites were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). The FTIR results showed that hydrogen bonds formed between the hindered amine molecules and the NBR matrix. The SEM and DSC results showed that both GW-622 and GW-944 had partial compatibility with the NBR matrix, and a two-phase structure appeared. The effective damping temperature ranges of the hindered amine/NBR composites were narrow at room temperature and broad at higher temperatures with increasing amounts of GW-622 and GW-944. Comparatively, the damping effect from the addition of GW-944 molecules was more clearly. The present work provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of optimum damping rubber materials.