Preparation of immiscible XSBR/PAM composite by constructing a leaf vein bionic nano-micro structure

Abstract

The conflict between strength and toughness of plastic/rubber blends is still a great challenge in the world, especially for incompatible plastic/rubber blends. Here, we prepared carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber latex (XSBR) and polyacrylamide (PAM) composites by a solution mixing method. FTIR and XPS results show a weak hydrogen bond between carboxyl groups of XSBR and amino groups of PAM, which is not enough to enhance the miscibility of XSBR and PAM. As a result, large parts of PAM precipitate to construct a macro continuous phase. A small part of PAM evolves from nanowires to a three-dimension nano network owing to the hydrogen bond inductive effect. Consequently, a leaf vein bionic nano-micro structure is proposed to interpret the great reinforcement effect in Young's modulus (112 times), tensile strength (almost 6 times) as compared to 5XSBR/5PAM with pure XSBR, which is almost equal to the mechanical properties of pure PAM. Meanwhile, the elongation at break and toughness of 5XSBR/5PAM is almost 1567% and 3370% of pure PAM, respectively. This may provide a new road to solve the conflict between strength and toughness.

Keywords

• Composite
• Polymer blend
• Compatibility
• Toughness
• Nano-micro structure