Nylon 66 fibers coated with environmentally friendly dopamine‐modified adhesives and their interfacial adhesion with neoprene rubber

Abstract Considering the toxicity of traditional resorcinol‐formaldehyde‐latex (RFL) dipping solution used to prepare fiber‐ reinforced rubber composites, a novel eco‐friendly dopamine (DA)‐supported dipping system was developed in this study. Based on the interactions between DA, glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE), and m ‐xylylenediamine (MXDA), the dipping solution successfully coated the surface of the nylon‐66 (PA66), and the resulting GTE/DA/MXDA/latex‐treated PA66 (PA66‐GDML) possessed better thermal stability than untreated PA66. The interfacial adhesion between PA66 and neoprene was significantly improved by using the appropriate interfacial layer and the synergistic effect during co‐vulcanization. The adhesive strength between PA66‐GDML and neoprene was comparable to that obtained in an RFL system, especially when the ratio of GTE/DA/MXDA was 5:1:2. Highlights An eco‐friendly dopamine‐supported dipping system was developed. The dipping solution (GTE/DA/MXDA) could successfully coat nylon 66 fibers. Treated nylon 66 possessed better thermal stability than untreated nylon 66. The adhesive strength was comparable to that obtained in a RFL system. The new dipping system shows great potential to replace RFL system.