Effect of graphite nano-powders on the swelling and mechanical properties of NBR/Novolac blend

In the present work, the effect of graphite (Gra) filled nanocomposites based on rubber blend comprising of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and phenolic resin (Novolac) is studied. To obtain a better insight into characteristics of the NBR/Novolac/Gra nanocomposites, a simple model system consisting of NBR is taken into consideration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) exhibitsmixed intercalated morphology. Swelling test in acetone in both the NBR and NBR/Novolac/Gra shows that an increase inthe graphite loading causes a decrease in the m/m0 ratio (swelling). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) shows increasing the graphite, reduces the modulus before glass transition temperature (Tg), does not change Tg, the thermal resistance is increased and hysteresis loss peaks of nanocomposites decrease and broaden. Also the ratio width to height of peak of tan (δ) is increased