Effect of filler geometry on the diffusion and transport behavior of aromatic solvents and commercial oil through nitrile rubber nanocomposites

Abstract The diffusion and transport behavior of nitrile rubber nanocomposites was studied with respect to different types of filler and also different types of solvents. The nitrile rubber nanocomposites showed considerable variations in the molecular transport owing to the tortuosity of path, decreased segmental mobility, and difference in particle geometry. As the matrix under consideration is polar, the behavior of the filled systems in aniline was also studied with a view to understand the polar–polar interaction between the filled matrix and the solvent. The oil repellency as a result of filler addition in the matrix was investigated by studying oil uptake of the nanocomposites. In all these investigations, it has been observed that the filler geometry played an important role in controlling the molecular transport through the polymer matrix. The layered silicate‐filled system showed better solvent resistance and hence minimum solvent uptake in polar and nonpolar solvents and better oil repellency followed by titanium dioxide and calcium phosphate filled systems. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers