Fabrication of novel nanocomposites from styrene-butadiene rubber/zinc sulphide nanoparticles

The present study critically investigates the evaluation of zinc sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS) as potential crystalline inclusion in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by a Monsanto Rheometer, and the vulcanization was carried out to their respective cure time values. The X-ray diffraction reveals the decrease in the amorphous phase of composite with the addition of ZnS nanoparticles. The uniform morphology of SBR was changed into a non-uniform pattern in the presence of ZnS nanoparticles, and few agglomerations were visible at higher loading of fillers. The effective utilization of the surface of nanoparticles by SBR chains resulted in an enhancement in rheometric torque or viscosities and a reduction in optimum cure and scorch time. Thermal stability studied by thermogravimetry (TGA) showed a remarkable increase in the thermal resistance of composites, and the thermal stability increases with an increase in the concentration of ZnS. The reinforcing natures of ZnS in SBR matrix were evident from increased mechanical properties such as tensile and tear strength, modulus, compression set, hardness and heat build-up behaviours. Effective formation of conductive chains of ZnS nanoparticles at 10 phr loading results in a maximum value of electrical conductivity. The diffusion and transport mechanisms of petroleum fuels through the polymeric membranes were studied according to the concentration of nanoparticles, the effect of solvent and temperature. The mechanism of diffusion shows an anomalous trend. The activation energy of diffusion and permeation of composites was also calculated from the sorption analysis.