Development and Aging Behaviour of Solvent-Based Polychloroprene Rubber Nano-Adhesive Using Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Polychloroprene (PC) based contact adhesives are widely used in various applications; however, there is a possibility to improve the properties of PC adhesive. Modifications of polymers can enhance the properties of the material, e.g. increase in thermal stability, compatibility, rigidity, physical response, flexibility and improve the polymer process ability. In the current study, improved formulation of solvent-based adhesive was developed, and the properties were further enhanced by the addition of nano-reinforcement of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The addition of nano-reinforcement was optimized to obtain improvement in the bond strength and also to enhance its resistance at a high temperature (~100˚C). This paper discusses the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs during the synthesis of polychloroprene solvent-based adhesive, thereby improving its structural properties. Incorporation of MWCNTs-solvent-based adhesives resulted in a 20% - 35% improvement in 180˚ peel strength determined on flexible substrates such as canvas, leather. The reinforced based adhesive also exhibited improved thermal stability and weather resistance compared with unreinforced adhesive. The MWCNTs- solvent-based contact adhesives is a potential candidate in an industrially relevant branch of adhesives commonly used in structural applications, e.g., footwear, plastic, leather, automobile, construction industries, etc.