Mechanical, Theological, and swelling behavior of natural rubber/montmorillonite aerogels prepared by freeze-drying

摘要

Montmorillonite (Na~+-MMT) aerogel/prevulcanized natural robber (PNR) composites were produced by freezing-drying. The composites exhibited densities in the range of 0.36-0.51 gem~(-3), which was in good agreement with the content of polymer in the aqueous solutions. The dispersion of the Na~+-MMT particles and the microstructure of the composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microcopy. The influence of the Na~+-MMT particles on the mechanical, rheological and swelling properties of the composites was investigated. A composite made from 7 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) of Na~+-MMT showed the greatest improvement in material properties. Such Na~+-MMT aerogel/polymer composites will be candidates for structural and insulation applications.