Synergistic effects of hybridization of carbon black and carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of a rubber blend system

The effects of hybridization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with carbon black (CB) and the structure-property relationships of nanocomposites based on hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber/hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber blends were extensively studied. MWCNTs used in this work were modified through acid treatment to improve the dispersion of MWCNTs in the rubber matrix and the surface interaction between MWCNTs and matrix. Synergistic interaction between CB and MWCNTs increased the tensile modulus and tear strength of nanocomposites. The effect of MWCNTs on the transport properties invoked an increment in the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites. A combination of 10 phr (parts per hundred rubber) MWCNTs with 40 phr CB dramatically increased the modulus at 100% elongation, tear strength, and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite by 66%, 28%, and 36%, respectively, compared with those of nanocomposite filled with 40 phr CB.