(207b) Effect of Nanofillers on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Oilfield Elastomers

This study provides an understanding of the effect of nanofillers on the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of oilfield elastomers. Investigated rubber compounds were based on a custom peroxide-cured hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) recipe with various loading levels of carbon black (0 – 50 phr) and carbon nanotubes (0-15 phr).

Tensile properties of nanocomposites were assessed at room temperature and at 325°F, and were highly dependent on the loading level of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Our results indicate that the tensile strength and modulus of elastomers can be improved by combining CNTs and carbon black in one system, due to the synergy effect of two fillers with different particle sizes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to explore the key issue in formulation of elastomer nanocomposites, which is the quality of nanoparticles dispersion within a polymer matrix.

Chemical properties and thermal properties of compounds attributed to the elastomer matrix, such as the glass transition temperature and decomposition temperatures did not notably change due to incorporation of CNTs. However, nanocomposites demonstrated higher thermal conductivity and lower thermal expansion, compared to the original compounds. Furthermore, nanotubes affected heat buildup resistance and explosive decompression resistance of the elastomers.

This research comprises a detailed examination of the effect of nanofillers on the properties of elastomers, which are essential to the oil industry, with a goal to provide a complete picture of the properties of nanocomposites.