Volatile components changes during thermal aging of nitrile rubber by flash evaporation of Py-GC/MS

Volatiles in NBR after different aging times at various temperatures were detected. They were mainly comprised of the decomposition or volatilization products of curing agents, accelerants, plasticizers and antioxidants. Different volatile components had different migration rates. At lower temperature (e.g., 80 °C), the volatiles migrated slowly. While at higher temperature (e.g., 125 °C), they lost rapidly. Either at lower or higher temperature, no aging products were detected from the rubber. Compared the changes of volatiles by Py-GC/MS to structural information and mechanical properties, the relationship among the loss of additives, the changes of chemical structures and mechanical properties were discussed. The correlation is helpful for the lifetime prediction of NBR products.