THE EFFECT OF ADDING NANO-ZINC OXIDE PARTICLES ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RUBBER COMPOSITE

Abstract

The aim of this research is to produce an improved rubber valve by adding reinforced nanoparticles (zinc oxide) used to increase the protection of the rubber valve against tearing and wear and to improve the flexibility and service life of the valve. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were used as fillers in different percentages of phr (0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1 , 1.2) to rubber pastry consisting of (100 % butyl rubber and 5 % neoprene rubber). In order to ensure that the nanoparticle (zinc oxide) added to the rubber affects the mechanical properties of the rubber, the following tests were carried out (tensile strength, hardness, elongation, wear, elasticity, density). The results showed that when a small amount of nano-zinc oxide is added, the mechanical properties of the rubber dough are significantly improved, increasing the product's lifespan by five times its original lifespan. The results (tensile strength, hardness , wear, fatigue ) when zinc oxide was added (0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1 , 1.2) showed that the best percentages added were (0.6) as in the following tests. (12.26 Mpa , 49 shore A, 817.5 % , 0.04 % g , 35,000 no. of cycle , 3.14 Mpa ) .