Mechanical Properties and Thermal Resistance of Natural Rubber Nanocomposite Reinforced with Quaternized Polyvinyl Alcohol/Silica Nanoclusters

Abstract

Quaternized polyvinyl alcohol (QPVA) was synthesized and used as an intermedium to improve dispersion of silica (SiO2) in natural rubber (NR). QPVA/SiO2 nanoclusters reinforced NR nanocomposite was prepared by latex compounding via electrostatic interaction. TEM micrographs demonstrated QPVA/SiO2 nanoclusters were distributed around NR particles, forming shell-core structure. The mechanical properties and thermal ageing resistance of NR-QPVA/SiO2 were significantly improved compared with that of neat NR. The tensile strength of NR-QPVA/SiO2 film was improved by 60%, when the SiO2 content is 3%. SEM pictures indicated SiO2 was homogenous dispersed throughout NR matrix in the presence of QPVA. It also demonstrated that SiO2 could enhance thermal stability of NR, as NR-QPVA/SiO2 had best surface morphology after 72 hours thermal ageing at 100 °C. The thermal decomposition temperature and glass transition temperature of NR-QPVA/SiO2 film increased to a higher temperature due to strong polymer–filler interaction, which also indicated that all the ingredients were compatible and homogenous.