Low-temperature synthesis of nano-to-submicron size organo-zinc oxide and its effect on properties of polybutadiene rubber

摘要

Nano-to-submicron sized particles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were synthesized by low temperature hydrolysis method. Organo-ZnO was also synthesized by the aforementioned method in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG-2000). The synthesized ZnO particles were characterized by infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR showed that PEG was present on the ZnO surface. Organo-ZnO exhibited floral-shape morphology consisting of concentric nanorods. The average diameter of the nanorods was ～ 250 nm as evident from SEM. TEM showed that the nanorods were made of ～ 50 nm sized small particles. UV-absorbance property of ZnO was unaltered even after organic coating. Curing, physico-mechanical and thermal properties of polybutadiene rubber compounded with organo-ZnO were compared with those of standard commercial rubber grade ZnO and nano-ZnO prepared by high and low temperature methods. The cure-characteristics were studied with the help of moving die rheometer as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crosslink-density measurement along the DSC vulcanization exotherm showed better cure efficiency of organo-ZnO. Organo-ZnO containing compound exhibited better mechanical and thermal properties.