Nanoscale Rubber Reinforcement: A Route to Enhanced Intercalation in Rubber-Silicate Nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract Addition of organo-modified layered silicates (e.g., montmorillonite clay) to polymer matrices can produce effective polymer nanocomposites by intercalation of macromolecules into the interlayer galleries. Flexible rubber nanocomposites represent an untapped application of this technology that is still in an early stage of development. This research focuses on the enhancement of rubber matrices through the incorporation of different types of layered silicates along with a dispersion agent, hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM). Styrene-co-butadiene rubber (SBR) and acrylonitrile-co-butadiene rubber (NBR) nanocomposites were prepared via a straightforward rubber compounding process and investigated through wide angle x-ray diffraction to determine the resulting clay morphology. The mechanical evaluation of the rubber nanocomposites was by tensile and tear testing. The dispersing agent affected both the morphology, registered as an increase in the gallery height, and mechanical properties, which showed significant additional reinforcement with the optimal combination of organoclay and rubber type. This work thus demonstrates the positive benefit of such a dispersion agent.