Quantitative Estimation of Filler Distribution in Immiscible Rubber Blends by Mechanical Damping Studies

Abstract

Abstract The peak value of tan δ at the glass-transition temperature (Tg) in the plot of tan δ versus temperature is lowered on addition of filler to a rubber. This relative lowering of tan δ at Tg can be used to estimate the filler distribution in an immiscible rubber blend. In the present investigation, distribution of silica filler and carbon black was studied in blends of natural rubber (NR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). It was observed that silica migrated preferentially to the ENR phase. The magnitude of the distribution depends on filler loading and the epoxy content of ENR. The amount of carbon black migrated to the NR phase is higher than that of silica at a similar loading in blends of NR and ENR.