Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.65, No.3, 549-554, 1997
Studies on Ipns Based on Nitrile Rubber and Polyalkyl Methacrylates
Sequential interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on nitrile rubber and various types of polyalkyl methacrylates such as poly(n-butyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), and poly(methyl methacrylate) were synthesized. The compositions of the IPNs could be varied by varying the reaction parameters such as swelling time and concentration of crosslinker. The tensile properties of the IPNs show that with increase in bulkiness of the ester group of the acrylates the tensile strength decreases, whereas elongation at break, increases because of decreased stiffness of the acrylate phase. The dynamic modulus and loss tangent of the IPNs also show similar trend because of the above reason. All the IPNs were also tested for dynamic properties under multifrequency mode, and with the help of the WLF equation, the behavior of these IPNs in the frequency range of 1-10(5) Hz were evaluated. The results showed reasonably high tan delta with good storage modulus in the entire frequency range for all the IPNs.