Transport and solvent sensing characteristics of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites containing imidazolium ionic liquid modified carbon nanotubes
Jiji Abraham, Krishnan Sidhardhan Sisanth, Ajesh K. Zachariah, Hanna J. Mariya, Soney C. George, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Sabu Thomas
Abstract
Abstract Obtaining strong interfacial interaction between filler and polymer matrix is very crucial for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. Present study is aimed to fabricate high performance styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites with imidazolium type ionic liquid modified multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Ionic liquid facilitates the dispersion of MWCNT in rubber matrix and it is obvious from transmission electron microscopy images. Diffusion of toluene through SBR nanocomposite membranes has been investigated as a function of surface modified MWCNT ( f ‐MWCNT) content to analyze the chain dynamics and filler‐polymer interactions. O 2 gas barrier effect of nanocomposites with special reference to the filler loading is explored. The substantial improvement in the barrier effect in presence of filler interpreted on the grounds of a theoretical model describing permeability of heterogeneous systems. Finally solvent sensing characteristics of prepared nanocomposites are also analyzed and it is observed that prepared nanocomposites can be used as a flexible solvent sensor.