Mechanical performance design via regulating the interactions in acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber/clay nanocomposites by small molecule compounds

In this study, we introduced two small molecule compounds, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and triethylene glycol bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionate (AO245) to control the mechanical performance of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber/clay (NBR/clay) nanocomposites. The NBR/clay nanocompound was prepared by gel compounding method, and the CTAC and AO245 were incorporated by mechanical blending. The phenolic hydroxyl group on AO245 enhanced the NBR/clay nanocomposite cross-linking network through hydrogen bond interaction with the cyanide group on the NBR macromolecular chain, which was evidenced by FTIR. In contrast, CTAC could plasticize NBR matrix by weakening the dipole-dipole interaction between clay and NBR. As compared to the NBR/clay nanocomposites, the nanocomposite with AO245 exhibited higher tensile strength, while the nanocomposite with CTAC showed higher elongation at break. •Design the internal interactions of NBR/clay nanocomposites by small molecule compounds.•Formation of hydrogen bonds between NBR and AO245.•Good mechanical properties of rubber/clay nanocomposites.