Preparation and properties of SBR/PPTA nanocomposite via in-situ interfacial polycondensation

In this article, Styrene butadiene rubber/poly-p-phenylene terephthamide (SBR/PPTA) nanocomposite was synthesized via in-situ interfacial polycondensation of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and para-benzoyl chloride (TPC) between the interface of SBR-containing cyclohexanone (CYC) solution and water. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of PPTA in SBR matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated PPTA nanosheets were uniformly dispersed in the SBR matrix. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of SBR/PPTA nanocomposite were also studied. Results showed that PPTA significantly improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of SBR. The tensile strength and 200% tensile stress of SBR/PPTA-3 were 120.9% and 150.8% higher than those of Pure rubber, respectively. The tensile strength and elongation at break of SBR/ PPTA-3-30% were 187.2% and 36.9% higher than those of Pure rubber, enabling promising applications of this new composite rubber material.