Cure kinetics of butyl rubber/clay nanocomposites

Cure kinetics studies on butyl rubber (IIR)/clay (Cloisite 20Aand Na+) nanocomposites, prepared by a melt mixing process, were investigated by ODR cure rheometer. For characterization of the nanocomposites’ structure, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope micrographs were employed. The results show the formation of intercalated silicate layers of clay in rubbery matrix. The cure characterization shows a marked increase both in scorch time and optimum curing time at all studied temperatures, the trend which is exaggerated with increase of clay loading. Interestingly, the difference in the minimum and maximum torque, MH-ML, in organically modified clay/ butyl compounds reduces in comparison with those of which is unfilled due to the plasticizing effect of modified clay. There is also not a significant difference in curing properties of unfilled butyl and butyl/unmodified clay compounds.

Keywords:

Polymer Nanocomposite , Butyl Rubber , Organo-clay , Cure Characteristics