The effect of partial replacement of carbon black (CB) with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the properties of CB/HNT-filled natural rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

The effect of partial replacement of carbon black (CB) with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the properties of natural rubber nanocomposites was investigated. Total hybrid fillers were kept constant at 40 parts per hundred rubber (phr) and were prepared using laboratory two-roll mill. Longer scorch and cure times were observed with the addition of more HNTs. The results also showed a decrement in tensile strength and tensile moduli besides causing an increment in swelling percentage. However, positive results were shown during elongation at break and fatigue life which indicates possible usefulness of HNTs in dynamic application of rubber products. Comparable thermal stability of nanocomposites with variable CB/HNTs ratios was shown in thermogravimetric analysis data.