DETERMINATION OF A SUITABLE CONDITION OF GRAFT COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYLTRIETHOXYSILANE ONTO NR TO FORM NANOMATRIX STRUCTURE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Graft copolymerization of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) onto NR particles in the latex stage is a unique reaction, since it occurs together with hydrolysis and condensation of the triethoxysilane group of VTES to form a colloidal silica linking to the rubber particles. These reactions may contribute to the formation of a silica nanomatrix structure that consists of a dispersoid of rubber particles as the major component and a silica matrix as the minor component. Here, the graft copolymerization of VTES followed by hydrolysis and condensation is investigated to determine a suitable condition to prepare NR with a silica nanomatrix structure. The mechanical properties of the resulting graft copolymer are discussed in relation to the morphology, silica content, and gel content of the rubber. Based on morphological observations, NR particles with an average diameter of approximately 1 μm are well dispersed in a nanomatrix consisting of silica nanoparticles. The thickness of the silica nanomatrix increases as the monomer concentration increases, and a long incubation time generates large silica nanoparticles. The tensile strength and viscoelastic properties are significantly improved by forming the silica nanomatrix structure, with its continuous structure that prevents the NR particles from merging.