Interfacial control and mechanical properties of carbon black-reinforced carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile rubber/epoxy polymer composites

Carbon black (CB) particles were employed as a reinforcing filler in carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (CTBN)/epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA))/aromatic diamine (diamino diphenyl methane (DDM)) network polymer blends. The strength, modulus, and ability to absorb impact energy of the resulting composites were evaluated. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of interfacial interactions between components, and processing conditions (especially temperature) on mechanical properties. The application of high temperatures during the kneading process resulted in strong interfacial interactions between the CB particles and the CTBN. The formation of strong bonds at the CB/CTBN interfaces during kneading was the key factor in obtaining high strength and high impact energy absorbance. The composites also exhibited good adhesive strength during both shear and peel stress tests.