Change in the Surface of Elastomers Based on Epichlorhydrin Rubber Modified by Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

In this paper, we study the possibilities of the modification of epichlorohydrin rubbers by special-type functionalized carbon nanotubes activated by oxygen. The purpose of this modification is to improve the tribological properties and increase frost resistance. Two types of samples with the addition of 1 and 10% nanotubes are compared with the initial unmodified rubber. The operating conditions are simulated using tribological tests performed in the express mode. Electron microscopic surface studies of the initial elastomer and samples after tribological tests reveal a change. The introduction of nanotubes is shown to promote the formation of agglomerates of a characteristic shape, increasing the surface uniformity, and its greater stability during friction. Differences in the surface topography are already evident in samples with 1% nanotubes and noticeably increase in samples with 10% nanotubes. Using scanning probe microscopy, sample sections (topography and elastic properties) are studied after tribological tests. The surface at the cut edge is found to be denser and smoother than in the bulk layers of the sample as the elastic moduli of these regions are almost identical. The introduction of activated functionalized carbon nanotubes into epichlorohydrin rubber is shown to lead to hardening of the elastomer and increases its wear resistance.