Preparation, structure, and properties of a novel rectorite/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) nanocomposites

Rectorite/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) nanocomposite was firstly prepared by co-coagulating NBR latex and rectorite water suspension. The microstructure of the resulted nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the rectorite layers were dispersed in the NBR matrix in form of single layers and nano-meter stacking layers. Moreover, the nano-sized stacking layers were not intercalated. Compared with silica or carbon black, the incorporation of rectorite in NBR leads to stronger filler network in the compound and further results in higher storage modulus of the vulcanizate. The mechanical properties and the gas barrier property of rectorite/NBR vulcanizate were remarkably improved by introduction of nano-dispersed rectorite.