Modelling barrier properties of polymer composites with nanofillers.

Project manager: Sylwia Krzemińska M.Sc. (Eng.)

Project summary:

The task involved developing and producing in laboratory conditions nanocomposites of butyl rubber and hydrogenated butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber in the form of flat vulcanizate membranes. A conventional method of vulcanizating was used. To determine optimal conditions for the vulcanization process, vulcametric measurements were made. Calcium bentonite - a nanofiller from the group of layered aluminosilicates - was selected for creating nanocomposites. It is produced domestically by ZGM "Zębiec" SA. Surface properties of bentonite had been modified with various kinds of ammonia salts to make dispersion easier during production of nanocomposites. As barrier properties and the effectiveness of the modification of bentonite were to be compared, composites of both rubbers were produced with Nanofil 15 bentonite (from Poro Additive).

Unit: Department of Personal Protective Equipment

Duration: 29.02.2008 – 30.08.2010