Cure Chracteristics, Filler Dispersion and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber / Organomodified Kaolin Nanocomposites

摘要

Rubber Clay Nanocomposites (RCNs) have emerged as a promising novel class of 'advanced materials' in the recent past, attracting research interest of academic and industrial importance''!. Some of their unique features enabling them for industrial applications include 'exceptional improvements' in physico-mechanical properties of their vulcanizates at unusually low concentrations of 2-10 phr (parts per hundred rubber) of various organo-modified nano-fillers. These include improvements in barrier properties (impermeability to gases), thermal stability, storage modulus, tensile properties such as strength and modulus, tear strength, wear resistance, flame resistance etc., along with reduced heat build-up, light weight and improved processability characteristics. A pioneering study by Arroyo et al showed that the mechanical properties of NR with 10 phr of organo-montmorillonite are comparable to one containing 40 phr of carbon black.