Investigation on the morphological and mechanical properties of dual particle reinforced compatibilized elastomeric nanocomposites

Abstract

Carbon black is the prime component used in the manufacturing process of tire. Normally, 40 - 60 phr of carbon black is added in to the rubbers in order to enhance their physico- mechanical properties. Utilization of high amount of carbon black during the manufacturing of tire will certainly lead to more fly loss, which may create several health hazards to the men workers involved in mixing operation. This research work aims in partially replacing carbon black with minimal nanoclay and balancing the technical properties of the following newlinerubber compounds namely, butyl rubber (IIR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Organically modified polar nanoclay namely cloisite 30B was used in this study. Compatibility between the base rubbers (IIR, SBR, NR, EPDM) and cloisite 30B was enhanced by introducing a compatibilizer. Chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) was used as compatibilizer for dispersing nanoclay in IIR matrix. Similarly, carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber (XSBR) was used as compatibilizer for the preparation of SBR nanocomposites and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was used as compatibilizers for making NR and EPDM nanocomposites. Compatibilized rubber nanocomposites were developed through two-step mixing process. Initially the required quantity of cloisite 30B was dispersed in compatibilizers (CIIR, XSBR and ENR) through solution mixing technique. Further, the dried compatibilizer-cloisite 30B films were incorporated in bulk IIR, SBR, NR and EPDM matrices along with carbon black and curing agents through mechanical mixing technique. The following batches were prepared using mechanical mixing technique. newline newline