Dissertation Defence: Multifunctional Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber/Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites Enabled by Molybdenum Disulfide–Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Nanofillers
August 18 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, supervised by Dr. Mohammad Arjmand, will defend their dissertation titled “Multifunctional Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber/Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites Enabled by Molybdenum Disulfide–Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Nanofillers” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering.
An abstract for Seyed Rasoul Mousavi’s dissertation is included below.
Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. This examination will be offered in hybrid format. Registration is not required to attend in person; however, please email mohammad.arjmand@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this exam.
Abstract
This thesis investigates the progressive structural engineering of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-based nanomaterials as multifunctional fillers for acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (NBR/BR) nanocomposites, aiming to simultaneously enhance wear resistance, frictional reliability, mechanical durability, and advanced functional performance. Conventional fillers such as carbon black typically require high loading levels, which can increase stiffness, reduce flexibility, and hinder the development of broader multifunctional properties. This limitation underscores the need for alternative filler systems that can effectively balance structural reinforcement with advanced functional performance for demanding industrial applications.
Initially, exfoliated, partially oxidized MoS2 nanosheets were synthesized to improve filler dispersion and interfacial compatibility within the rubber matrix. These nanosheets significantly enhanced crosslink density, tensile strength, tear resistance, thermal stability, and wear resistance, demonstrating that structural modification of MoS2 can effectively improve tribological and mechanical performance while preserving flexibility.
To further improve reinforcement and introduce functional properties, atomic-scale Fe substitution was applied to pre-intercalated MoS2 nanosheets, generating sulfur vacancies and increased nanosheet polarity. Hybridization of these Fe-substituted nanosheets with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) created synergistic conductive filler networks that improved mechanical strength, hardness, tear resistance, frictional performance, and wear resistance, while introducing stable, low-voltage electrothermal functionality at room temperature, under elevated humidity, and in extreme cold conditions.
Finally, MoS2/nitrogen-doped carbon hetero-nanosheets were synthesized and combined with CNTs to achieve broader multifunctionality. This advanced hybrid system provided balanced mechanical and tribological performance while delivering reliable antistatic behavior across varying humidity levels, along with strong long-term oil resistance across multiple industrial oils, temperatures, and prolonged immersion periods.
Overall, this thesis demonstrates that progressive structural engineering of MoS2, from exfoliation and oxidation to atomic defect modification and carbon hybridization, systematically transforms MoS2 from a tribological reinforcement filler into a highly versatile multifunctional platform for advanced rubber nanocomposites. These findings establish practical design strategies for next-generation rubber materials that simultaneously meet the increasing industrial demands for durability, frictional stability, conductivity, environmental resistance, and multifunctional performance.
