Controlling the Deintercalation in Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)/Organo‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites by Curing with Peroxide

Summary: The effect of peroxide vulcanization on organoclay dispersion in hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)/organo‐montmorillonite (organo‐MMT) nanocomposites was investigated. Three types of organoclays were tested, one containing a primary amine and two bearing quaternary intercalants. In contrast to sulfur vulcanization, which in combination with primary amine intercalants produced a confined/deintercalated clay structure, the peroxide curing yielded well‐ordered intercalated nanocomposites. The tensile mechanical performance and oxygen permeability of the HNBR nanocomposites were determined. Oxygen permeability coefficient ratio for the different HNBR films tested at 0 and 60% relative humidity (i.e., dry and wet conditions, respectively). magnified image Oxygen permeability coefficient ratio for the different HNBR films tested at 0 and 60% relative humidity (i.e., dry and wet conditions, respectively).