Preparation of Nanocomposites based on NR/ BR (Cure Characteristics, Microstructure & Mechanical Properties)

NR/BR (75/25) blends containing 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 Wt% organo-modified nanoclay (Closite15A) were prepared by two-roll mill. The effect of organo-modified layered nanosilicates on microstructure, mechanical properties (tensile strength, abrasion resistance, Fatigue etc.) and also cure characteristics of the nanocomposites were studied. Results suggested the intercalation of polymer chains into the silicate layers which was evidenced by d-spacing results of X-ray diffraction. Cure characteristics have shown that the organoclay accelerates the vulcanization reaction and, furthermore, gives rise to a marked increase of the torque, indicating that the elastomer becomes more crosslinked in the presence of the organoclay. The organomodified montmorillonite can not only accelerate the curing process, but also improves the mechanical properties of NR/BR compounds. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites depicted a markedly increase with addition of nanoclay. These improvements could be ascribed to the established interaction between silicate layers and polymer matrix

Preparation of Nanocomposites based on NR/ BR (Cure Characteristics, Microstructure & Mechanical Properties) Keywords:

Nanoclay , Nanocomposite , X-ray Diffraction , Cure time , Scorch time , Mechanical properties