Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) tend to be a promising material in the field of polymer nanocomposites because it possesses unique chemical and structural properties. The novelty of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) comparing to other conventional fillers is connected with possibility of surface functionalization by introduction of various organic species into an interlayer area. Organic modifiers could act not only as intercalation promoters but also have additional functions such as UV stabilizers, anti-aging substances, pigments, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity. Additionally, in the case of nitrile elastomers, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) could play role as curing substances, reinforcing fillers, and improve mechanical, barrier and thermal properties of rubber products. The purpose of our experimental work was to examine the effect of Mg-Al-LDHs on the crosslink density and properties of nitrile rubber. Various LDHs containing, respectively, 30, 63, 70 wt% of magnesium were applied as a curing system for carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR) composites prepared by melt compounding methods. The influence of ionic liquids containing saccharinate, acesulfamate ions on the curing reactions and properties of rubber was investigated.
Part of the book: Elastomers
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) can be considered as the smallest silica particles that contain an inorganic cage-like silicon-oxygen structure surrounded by organic substituents. POSS are known to be reinforcing fillers able to enhance the fire retardancy and to increase the thermo-oxidative stability. The application of POSS with various functional groups and their effect on the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is analyzed based on the literature review. The influence of POSS with hydroxyl and glycidyl groups on the viscoelastic properties, crystallization, and thermo-oxidative degradation of PLA containing various contents of natural rubber ENR is discussed. The application of POSS with hydroxyl and glycidyl groups as an additive enhancing compatibility of PLA toughened by epoxidized rubber (ENR) is described. It is reported that POSS molecules with hydroxyl groups can enhance the thermo-oxidative stability of PLA melt.
Part of the book: Fillers