Abstract
Tetrachloro phthalic anhydride (TCPA) was found to enhance the dielectric and mechanical properties of (NBR/NR) blends. Introducing halogen atoms into polymer blends usually leads to increased flame resistance, which could be very useful in electric applications of such blends as in cables, wires, and insulating purposes. This study led to a conclusion that the blend 25/75 NBR/NR with 3 phr TCPA possesses the most promising electrical as well as mechanical properties, while 75/25 NBR/NR possesses the best fire resistance, despite the fact that the decrease in weight loss after the addition of 3 phr TCPA is small (18% for 25/75 NBR/SBR and 15% for 75/25 NBR/SBR). Both blends were chosen, consequently, to be investigated as composites with silica in increasing quantities and to study their various properties. Compatibility and dielectric studies have shown that the NBR/NR blends are thermodynamically incompatible. The addition of TCPA was found to improve the compatibility of the discussed blends, followed by noticeable improvements in their physical characteristics.