MODELING AND OPTIMIZING PROPERTIES OF NANOCLAY–NITRILE RUBBER COMPOSITES USING BOX–BEHNKEN DESIGN

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR)–organomodified layered silicate (nanoclay) was modeled using design of experiments approach. A Box–Behnken design with three factors and three levels was used to model the relationship between properties of NBR nanocomposites and the ingredients. The factors considered in the design were silica content, nanoclay loading, and dicumyl peroxide content. The nanocomposites were evaluated for tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, oxygen permeation rate, and effect of oil and heat aging on mechanical properties. Regression equations were generated to model the properties of interest and generate response surfaces and contour plots. The predicted properties of the nanocomposites were in good agreement with the experimental results. The contour plots were overlaid within the applied constraints to identify the combination of factor ranges that gives the optimal performance of the nanocomposites for application as control system bladders in satellite launch vehicles.