Investigation of the Structure-Property Relationships of Improved Low Compression Set Nitrile Rubbers

Abstract

Abstract The effect of polymer structures on the rubber processing and physical properties of the improved Hycar 1090 low compression set nitrile rubbers was investigated. The molecular weight and acrylonitrile content of a polymer are important variables in determining the compound processing and vulcanizate physical properties. Within the range of 21 to 88 Mooney, a blend of high and low Mooney polymers has approximately the same properties as those from a single polymer of the same Mooney viscosity. The molecular weight distribution was not significantly broadened to become an important factor affecting the polymer properties. All polymers with Mooney viscosities from 21 to 88 showed good properties. An understanding of the structure and properties of this new type of NBR, will help in choosing the right kind of polymer for particular applications.