Nanostructured Metal Oxide and Unsaturated Acid as a New Co-agent in Peroxide Cross-Linking of Hydrogenated Butadiene-Acrylonitrile Rubber

Blends of hydrogenated butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (HNBR) with nanostructured metal oxides: magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), zinc oxide (ZnO) and unsaturated acids: monoallyl maleate (MM) or acrylic acid (AA), as co-agents, were prepared. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used as a vulcanizing agent. The rheometrical properties of rubber mixes and cross-link density of vulcanizates were measured. Mechanical properties of the samples were investigated. Agglomeration degree of metal oxides in the elastomer matrix was also studied by SEM images. It was found that the addition of new co-agents improves the cross-link density and tensile strength of elastomer composites. The obtained elastomer networks consist of covalent bonds and ionic bonds. To conclude, we discovered new type of elastomeric material, cured with high efficiency by dicumyl peroxide and revealing good mechanical properties.