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The effect of nanoclays in rubber nanocomposites
von Dr. Franco Cataldo
Rubber nanocomposites were prepared by the melt mixing procedure by adding 2.5, 5, 10, 15 phr of the organically modified nanoclay on top to a carbon black filled conventional compound.
The sulfur cured rubber samples were tested against a reference compound not filled with the nanoclay. Rheometrical and scorch measurements have shown that the nanoclay increases the curing speed and reduces the scorch safety.
A very high reinforcement and stiffening effect due to the nanoclay was observed especially at 5 and 10 phr nanoclay filling level and especially at low extension moduli which can be increased up to 40 % their original level than in the reference compound. Also an anisotropic behaviour has been recorded: for instance the 50 % modulus was found >20 % higher when measured parallel to the alignment of the exfoliated nanoclay lamellae in comparison to the modulus perpendicular to the lamellae orientation.
The compounds with nanoclay show no adverse effects in tensile strength and in tear resistance, in De Mattia crack initiation and in abrasion resistance. Nanoclay reduces also the hysteresis and heat build-up of the rubber compounds.