Studies on the Mechanical, Electrical Properties and Interaction of Petroleum Fuels with SBR/ Manganous Tungstate Nanocomposites

A novel nanocomposite based on styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and manganous tungstate (MnWO4) nanoparticles was prepared by a simple and inexpensive open two-roll mixing mill. The interaction of the nanoparticles with SBR matrix was studied by different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical properties. The effect of loading of MnWO4 nanoparticles on the processing characteristics of mixed rubber compounds, mechanical properties and the transport properties of nanocomposites through petroleum fuels were also analysed. XRD of nanocomposite revealed that the addition of nanoparticles imparts a semi-crystalline or regular arrangement of chains in the composite. SEM analysis showed good dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. Also it has been observed that the dispersion of nanoparticles decreases with increase in its loading. TGA analysis indicated better thermal stability of all nanocomposite and thermal stability increases with the loading of the nanoparticles. The AC conductivity and dielectric properties were greatly enhanced in the whole range of frequencies studied. The processing properties of rubber compounds like cure and scorch time decreases with increase in concentration of MnWO4 nanoparticles and the maximum enhancement in torque was observed for 10 phr loading. The tensile strength, modulus, tear resistance, hardness and heat build-up of the composite increased whereas the resilience, compression set and elongation at break decreased with the loading of nanoparticles. Solvent penetration studies of nanocomposites were done in petroleum fuels at different temperatures.The solvent uptake was the minimum for composite with 10 phr of MnWO4 and penetration of solvent increased with further addition of nanoparticles.