Understanding the molecular dynamics of dual crosslinked networks by dielectric spectroscopy

The combination of vulcanizing agents is an adequate strategy to develop multiple networks that consolidate the best of different systems. In this research, sulfur (S), and zinc oxide (ZnO) were combined as vulcanizing agents in a matrix of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR). The resulting dual netw...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Utrera-Barrios, Saúl, Verdugo Manzanares, Reyes, Araujo-Morera, Javier, González Tomé, Sergio, Verdejo, Raquel, López-Manchado, Miguel A., Hernández, Marianella
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/254253
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/254253
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Nitrile rubber
Metal oxides
Ionic crosslinks
Dual networks
Molecular dynamics
Dielectric spectroscopy
Descripción
Sumario:The combination of vulcanizing agents is an adequate strategy to develop multiple networks that consolidate the best of different systems. In this research, sulfur (S), and zinc oxide (ZnO) were combined as vulcanizing agents in a matrix of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR). The resulting dual network improved the abrasion resistance of up to ~15% compared to a pure ionically crosslinked network, and up to ~115% compared to a pure sulfur-based covalent network. Addition-ally, the already good chemical resistance of XNBR in non-polar fluids, such as toluene and gasoline, was further improved with a reduction of up to ~26% of the solvent uptake. A comprehensive study of the molecular dynamics was performed by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) to complete the existing knowledge on dual networks in XNBR. Such analysis showed that the synergistic behavior that prevails over purely ionic vulcanization networks is related to the restricted motions of rubber chain segments, as well as of the trapped chains within the ionic clusters that converts the vulcanizate into a stiffer and less solvent-penetrable material, improving abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, respectively. This combined network strategy will enable the production of elastomeric materials with improved performance and properties on demand.