Abstract
Organoclay filled natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of different loadings (0—10 phr) of organoclay fillers. NR nanocomposites were prepared using two different mixing methods, namely mechanical and solution mixing methods. Results indicate that the scorch time and cure time decrease with increasing filler loading, whereas the maximum torque exhibits an increasing trend. Increasing organoclay loading also increases the tensile modulus and elongation at break, but the tensile strength reaches maximum at 4 phr of organoclay. The intercalation and exfoliation structure affects the properties of organoclay filled NR nanocomposites as shown by evidence from X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy studies. Organoclay filled NR nanocomposites prepared by solution mixing exhibit better properties than similar NR nanocomposites prepared by mechanical mixing.
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