SBR–XNBR blends: a novel approach towards compatibilization

The role of a few ionic and non-ionic surfactants on the solubilization of polar carboxylated nitrile rubber and non-polar styrene butadiene rubber as interfacial compatibilizer has been investigated. Conspicuous changes of characteristic features of the blend vulcanizates e.g. modulus at 200% elongation, tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, age resistance etc are observed. The cationic surfactant, tetra butyl ammonium bromide and the anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate are found to inhibit the physical properties while the non-ionics favor the phenomenon. Scanning electron microscope supports the observed behavior.