Development of halloysite nanotubes reinforced chlorinated ethylene propylene diene monomer/chlorinated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber blends

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and a complex comprising resorcinol and hexamethylenetetramine (RH) modified HNTs (RH-modified HNTs) were utilized to reinforce a polymer blend consisting of chlorinated ethylene propylene diene monomer (Cl-EPDM) rubber and chlorinated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (Cl-NBR). The resulting blend composites underwent comprehensive analysis concerning their cure characteristics, abrasion resistance, compression set, solvent resistance, oil resistance, mechanical properties, hardness, and rebound resilience. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed the attachment and uniform dispersion of RH-modified HNTs within the Cl-EPDM/Cl-NBR blend. Moreover, the rubber nanocomposites' hardness, tensile and tear strength, swelling resistance, abrasion resistance, and oil resistance were all markedly improved by the inclusion of RH-modified HNTs. The tensile strength increased by 41% with HNTs and by 59% with modified HNTs, while the elongation at break decreased by 18% and 27%, respectively. Stress at 100% elongation rose by 45% with HNTs and by 55% with modified HNTs. Tear strength increased by 52% and 60%, respectively, while rebound resilience decreased by 24% and 32%. As penetrant size increased, the mole percent absorption of blend composites declined. Significantly, within the mix of composites, the specimen incorporating 6 phr of RH-modified HNTs displayed exceptional resistance to oil and solvents, coupled with a notable improvement in abrasion resistance and mechanical characteristics.