This research explores the impact of varying concentrations of resorcinol- and hexamethylenetetramine-modified halloysite nanotubes (RH-HNTs) on the curing behavior, mechanical properties, and swelling resistance of blended polymeric matrices (80:20) comprising ethylene propylene diene monomer/styrene butadiene rubber (EPDM/SBR). The incorporation of RH-HNTs resulted in enhanced abrasion resistance, hardness, tear strength, compression set, and swelling resistance in the nanocomposites, while simultaneously reducing elongation at break and rebound resilience. The fractured surfaces of the EPDM/SBR nanocomposite specimens were examined using FESEM. Notably, the results reveal that nanocomposites containing 6 phr of RH-HNTs exhibit significant improvements in both tensile strength and abrasion resistance. RH-HNTs reinforced EPDM/SBR at 6 phr showed a 66% increase in stress at 100% elongation due to enhanced cross-linking, along with a 143% improvement in tensile strength. Incorporating RH-modified HNTs into EPDM/SBR nanocomposites resulted in superior properties compared to those reinforced solely with HNTs across all proportions.

Keywords: ethylene propylene diene monomer/styrene butadiene rubber rubber blend, HNTs, resorcinol- and hexamethylenetetramine-modified halloysite nanotubes, mechanical properties, swelling resistance.