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Influence of the nanofiller type and content on permeation characteristics of multifunctional NR nanocomposites and their modeling
Author(s) -
Bhattacharya Mithun,
Biswas Subharanjan,
Bandyopadhyay Srikanta,
Bhowmick Anil K.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1930
Subject(s) - permeation , materials science , nanocomposite , kinetics , oxygen permeability , natural rubber , permeability (electromagnetism) , composite material , zeta potential , filler (materials) , tortuosity , chemical engineering , oxygen , nanoparticle , membrane , porosity , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , biochemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Along with other properties, superior gas permeation behavior would impart an extra dimension to multifunctional natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites used in various applications, like tires. For the first time, the impact on thermodynamics and kinetics of oxygen transport has been evaluated for nano, micro, and dual filler based multifunctional NR nanocomposites through oxygen permeation studies at three different temperatures. It is seen that, the kinetics is less affected by platelet like nanofillers, while the thermodynamics and eventual permeability are not altered much by fibrous nanofillers. The permeability of the nanocomposites decreased in the presence of nanofillers due to high aspect ratio and exquisite dispersion, as ascertained from morphological studies, which caused increment in tortuosity and the reduction in free volume. Relative permeabilities were compared to predictions of existent permeation models and a novel function was successfully introduced to address deviations in a model. Finally, nearly 60% decrement in permeability of dual filler based nanocomposites explained by the formation of zeta potential driven filler associations indicate potency in development of thinner, but stronger and more durable multifunctional materials with longer air retention capabilities. These could be applied in tire research to reduce material, energy costs and increase fuel efficiencies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.