Role of solvent interaction parameters in tailoring the properties of chlorobutyl rubber nanocomposites

Chlorobutyl rubber, a special class of butyl rubber, which exhibits superior air impermeability, is the elastomer of choice for the inner tubes and liners of tires. Chlorobutyl rubber nanocomposites containing layered silicates were prepared using solvents with varying cohesive energy density and the effect of solvent–clay and solvent–rubber parameters in determining the properties of the nanocomposites were studied. The nanocomposites so prepared were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results were interpreted with the help of thermodynamic concepts and a correlation between the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and the difference in the interaction parameters was done. The same correlation was then applied to gas barrier properties and trends identical to mechanical properties were observed. Thereby it was shown that a strong relationship exists between properties of a system and solubility parameters in solution mixing process. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:353–359, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers