Enhancing mechanical and swelling resistance properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber by the usage of graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using a modified Hummer's method, and the influence of GO on the curing behavior, mechanical performance, abrasion resistance, and swelling resistance of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) nanocomposites was extensively analyzed. The curing results indicated increased torques (minimum, maximum, and delta torque) and cure rate index, while scorch time and optimum cure time were reduced. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved with higher GO content. Notably, NBR containing 6 phr of GO exhibited increases of 132% in tensile strength, 58% in tear strength, 10% in abrasion resistance, and 63% in stress at 100% elongation compared to unfilled NBR. Moreover, the nanocomposites demonstrated significant enhancements in both abrasion and swelling resistance. These findings highlight the potential of GO to effectively enhance the overall properties of NBR rubber.