Abstract
Composites, based on natural rubber (NR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and carbon black in different ratios, with three vulcanizing systems were prepared. Three types of carbon black viz. semi-reinforcing furnace (SRF), high abrasion furnace (HAF) and intermediate super abrasion furnace (ISAF) were used for reinforcement. The sorption studies were done in an atmosphere of petrol, kerosene and diesel. The effects of filler, blend composition, vulcanizing systems, penetrant size and temperature on the sorption characteristics were studied. The solvent uptake decreased with decrease in particle size of the fillers in the order: SRF > HAF > ISAF. The sorption studies were complemented by the examination of cure characteristics, mechanical and morphology. Mechanical properties such as stress-strain behaviour, tensile strength, and elongation at break have been found to be maximum for ISAF filled samples. The experimental results of mechanical and sorption tests have been compared with various theoretical models.