Multifunctional Hybrid Rubber Nanocomposites With Enhanced Durability and Electrothermal Performance.

Rubber materials for demanding environments require high wear resistance, reliable frictional behavior, and stable performance over a wide temperature range. Electrothermal functionality is also required for temperature regulation in cold conditions. However, incorporating electrothermal capability without compromising mechanical and tribological performance remains challenging. In this work, pre-intercalated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets were synthesized and modified by substituting molybdenum atoms with isolated iron (Fe) atoms to tailor interfacial interactions. The engineered nanosheets were hybridized with conductive carbon nanotubes to establish a synergistic filler network within an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber blend. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed successful Fe substitution and improved compatibility of MoS2 with the matrix. The resulting hybrid nanocomposite exhibited substantial mechanical reinforcement, with tensile strength and modulus increasing by 146% and 169%, respectively, relative to the neat blend. Enhanced wear resistance was accompanied by increased friction: weight loss decreased by nearly 25%, while the coefficient of friction increased by approximately 12%. Additionally, the hybrid system demonstrated effective electrothermal performance, heating from -40°C to a stable temperature of 29°C at only 5 V within 90 s. Overall, this multifunctional nanocomposite simultaneously enhances mechanical, tribological, and electrothermal performance, offering a promising strategy for durable and temperature-responsive rubber materials.