Sequential interpenetrating polymer network based on nitrile-phenolic blend and poly(alkyl methacrylate)

摘要

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on a nitrile rubber (NBR)-phenolic resin (PH) blend and poly(alkyl methacrylates) were synthesized by a sequential method. The cured blends were swollen in a methacrylate monomer containing a crosslinker and initiator. The swollen rubber sheets were cured at 60 degrees C. From the swelling study of the monomer, it was found that IPN formation in the blend is in between the rubber and poly(alkyl methacrylate) phases only. The IPNs thus formed were characterized for their tensile, dynamic mechanical, and solvent-resistance characteristics. The tensile strength of the IPNs are dependent on the PH content; at a lower content of PH (up to 20 parts), IPNs have a higher strength compared to their corresponding blends, whereas at a higher content of PH (beyond 30 parts), the strength decreases. But for every NBR/PH-fixed composition, the strength of IPNs was found to be increasing in the order of PBuMA < PEMA < PMMA. The dynamic property results showed that NBR/PH blends are incompatible. The storage modulus of IPNs are always higher than their corresponding blends at all temperatures. The tan delta peaks of IPNs are broad, indicating the presence of microphase-separated domains. The IPNs show superior solvent-resistance characteristics compared to the blends. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [References: 29]