Nylon 66 fibers coated with environmentally friendly dopamine-modified adhesives and their interfacial adhesion with neoprene rubber

Considering the toxicity of traditional resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) dipping solution used to prepare fiber- reinforced rubber composites, a novel eco-friendly dopamine (DA)-supported dipping system was developed in this study. Based on the interactions between DA, glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE), and m -xylylenediamine (MXDA), the dipping solution successfully coated the surface of the nylon-66 (PA66), and the resulting GTE/DA/MXDA/latex-treated PA66 (PA66-GDML) possessed better thermal stability than untreated PA66. The interfacial adhesion between PA66 and neoprene was significantly improved by using the appropriate interfacial layer and the synergistic effect during co-vulcanization. The adhesive strength between PA66-GDML and neoprene was comparable to that obtained in an RFL system, especially when the ratio of GTE/DA/MXDA was 5:1:2. Highlights An eco-friendly dopamine-supported dipping system was developed. The dipping solution (GTE/DA/MXDA) could successfully coat nylon 66 fibers. Treated nylon 66 possessed better thermal stability than untreated nylon 66. The adhesive strength was comparable to that obtained in a RFL system. The new dipping system shows great potential to replace RFL system.