Abstract
Pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were impregnated in acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) using internal dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill to investigate the effects of various nanotubes concentrations on the thermal transport/stability of rubber nanocomposites. Thermal conductivity (
λ
N
) and thermal impedance (
R
) measurement experimental setups were established according to ASTM E1225-99 and D5470-03. The 1 mass % addition of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix has enhanced
R
up to 44 % and reduced
λ
N
of the rubber nanocomposite up to 40 % compare to the base composite formulation. Thermal decomposition and differential thermal analyses of the fabricated composite specimens simulate that the thermal stability and endothermic capability are augmented with increasing the nanotubes contents in the host matrix. The progressive incorporations of carbon nanotubes into the rubber matrix have efficiently influenced the composite specimens regarding glass transition, crystallization, and melting temperatures including their specific enthalpies. Scanning electron microscopy along with the energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to analyze MWCNTs dispersion in NBR matrix, compositional analysis of the nanocomposite, and impregnated nanotubes.