Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Decorated with Zn Single Sites: A Multifunctional Filler for Upgrading the Properties of XNBR Composites
A multifunctional alumina-based filler, Al2O3@APTES-Zn, has been synthesized by functionalizing Al2O3 nanoparticles with aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) and subsequently anchoring Zn2+ centers. This multifunctional nanofiller acts simultaneously as a reinforcing agent, cross-linking promoter, and thermal conductivity enhancer in carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) composites. The anchored Zn(II) sites also provide ionic interactions with XNBR terminations, enabling dynamic reversible bonds for self-healing properties. The comprehensive characterization of XNBR/Al2O3@APTES-Zn composites unveils enhanced cross-linking, improved tensile strength and strain at break (up to 17 MPa and 1416% at 24 phr filler), increased thermal conductivity (+11.4% compared to neat Al2O3 at the same loading), and superior self-repairing efficiency (up to 120%). These results demonstrate that the tailored surface and interfacial properties of Al2O3@APTES-Zn represent a promising benchmark for resilient and sustainable composites in applications, such as hoses, seals, gaskets, and automotive components.
Authors
- Sandra Dirè (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6000-6231)
- Massimiliano D’Arienzo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5291-9858)
- Roberto Nisticò (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8986-5542)
- Giulia Fredi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9987-1786)
- Marianella Hernández Santana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0609-3485)
- Barbara Di Credico (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0431-0148)
- Silvia Mostoni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1111-6140)
- Saul Utrera‐Barrios (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4604-2305)
- Emanuela Callone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4888-1321)
- Lorenzo Mirizzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9158-3306)
- Marta Colombo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0772-5615)
- Roberto Scotti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4654-0232)
- Sofia Faina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7764-0318)
Institutions
- University of Trento (IT)
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros (ES)
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (IT)
- University of Milano-Bicocca (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- ACS Applied Polymer Materials
- Published
- 2024-12-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.4c02946
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Thermal properties of materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.35