Effect of talc modified by poly (glycidyl methacrylate)- block -polybutadiene- block -poly (glycidyl methacrylate) on the properties of nitrile butadiene rubber

In this study, we investigated the reinforcement of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) using talcum powder modified with polybutadiene (M-Talc). To achieve this, a block copolymer of poly (glycidyl methacrylate)- block -polybutadiene- block -poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA-b-PB-b-PGMA) was synthesised via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. The PGMA-b-PB-b-PGMA solution was then sprayed onto talc powder (Talc) and dried, yielding the modified talc (M-Talc). Both M-Talc and Talc were subsequently incorporated into NBR. The results showed that NBR composites with M-Talc exhibited a notably slower vulcanisation rate compared to those with unmodified Talc. Additionally, M-Talc demonstrated improved dispersion within the NBR matrix. The mechanical properties of NBR/M-Talc composites were significantly enhanced, with a 30% increase in tensile strength, a 17% improvement in tear strength, and an impressive 757% boost in elongation at break. Furthermore, there was a substantial 37% reduction in the compression set.