Multifunctional Hybrid Rubber Nanocomposites With Enhanced Durability and Electrothermal Performance.

Abstract

Rubber materials for demanding environments require high wear resistance, reliable frictional behavior, and stable performance over a wide temperature range. Electrothermal functionality is also required for temperature regulation in cold conditions. However, incorporating electrothermal capability without compromising mechanical and tribological performance remains challenging. In this work, pre-intercalated molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets were synthesized and modified by substituting molybdenum atoms with isolated iron (Fe) atoms to tailor interfacial interactions. The engineered nanosheets were hybridized with conductive carbon nanotubes to establish a synergistic filler network within an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber blend. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed successful Fe substitution and improved compatibility of MoS₂ with the matrix. The resulting hybrid nanocomposite exhibited substantial mechanical reinforcement, with tensile strength and modulus increasing by 146% and 169%, respectively, relative to the neat blend. Enhanced wear resistance was accompanied by increased friction: weight loss decreased by nearly 25%, while the coefficient of friction increased by approximately 12%. Additionally, the hybrid system demonstrated effective electrothermal performance, heating from -40°C to a stable temperature of 29°C at only 5 V within 90 s. Overall, this multifunctional nanocomposite simultaneously enhances mechanical, tribological, and electrothermal performance, offering a promising strategy for durable and temperature-responsive rubber materials.