Ti3C2Tx MXene-Reinforced Natural Rubber Nanocomposites with Tailored Mechanical and Antiaging Properties

Recently, MXene has been identified as a novel reinforcing material for elastomers. Also, the free-radical scavenging ability of MXene can be used to improve the antiaging properties of unsaturated elastomers, such as natural rubber (NR). Herein, Ti3C2Tx MXene is incorporated into NR at 0-0.8 wt% to investigate the mechanical and antiaging properties of NR/MXene nanocomposites (NRMX). The resultant nanocomposites with increasing MXene content show improved tensile properties and storage modulus due to the homogeneous distribution of MXene in the nanocomposite, interfacial interaction between MXene and NR molecules, and immobilization of NR polymer chains by MXene. Also, the reduced permanent deformation and hysteresis indicate a lowered heat build-up with increasing MXene concentration. Finally, the improved mechanical properties retention, increased glass transition temperature, reduced free radical, and -OH and C=O formation upon accelerated aging confirm the enhancement of the antiaging properties of NRMX nanocomposites.