EFFECT OF CARBON NANOTUBES ON THE PROPERTIES OF TECHNICAL RUBBERS BASED ON EPICHLOROHYDRIN RUBBER

Abstract

The results of the modification of technical rubbers by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) of the OCSiAl company are presented. Technical rubbers were based on epichlorohydrin rubber of the Hydrin T6000 brand and filled with carbon black (CB). The aim was to create frost-resistant and wear-resistant rubber for sealing purposes. Rubber mixtures were prepared in a Brabender plasticorder. Determined were: physical and mechanical properties in accordance with GOST 270-75 on a tensile testing machine Autograph AGS-J, resistance to hydrocarbon media in a relaxed state according to GOST 9.030-74 in an environment of hydraulic mineral oil at a temperature of 100 °C for 72 hours and wear resistance by the value of the volumetric wear obtained on the MI-2 abrasive machine, as well as the coefficient of frost resistance for elastic recovery (K_w) according to GOST 13808-79. The glass transition temperature of vulcanizates was estimated on a DSC 204 F1 Phoenix differential scanning calorimeter (Netzsch, Germany), and the carbon content in SWCNTs on a JEOL JSM-7800F scanning electron microscope with an X-max 20 X-ray spectral attachment for elemental analysis. It is shown that the effective way to create the frost-resistant rubber is to use SWCNT in combination with low-activity carbon black (P-803). The introduction of SWCNTs into rubbers containing TU K-354 and N-550 leads to a significant decrease in frost resistance. Because frost resistance was a priority property, a high level of wear resistance and strength, not inferior to materials containing more active CB types, is achieved by regulating the SWCNT content. It is shown that by varying SWCNT content and dispersion of CB within certain limits, to regulate the degree of swelling, volumetric wear, and strength is possible.