Nitrile rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (NBR/EVA) blends with ratio of 70/30 wt% were prepared in the presence of functionalized NBR with 2-oxazoline groups. This functionalized copolymer was employed alone or in combination with EVA copolymer functionalized with hydroxyl, carboxyl or mercaptan groups. The reaction between the functional groups was confirmed by FTIR analysis of the unvulcanized samples insoluble fraction, and by the decrease in the tan delta values. The mechanical properties were not substantially affected by the presence of these functionalized copolymers, probably due to the proportion of blend composition (with high amount of NBR), thus forcing the location of functionalized NBR inside the elastomer phase.
Nitrile rubber; 2-oxazoline; EVA copolymer; polymer blends
