Preparation and characterization of poly(styrene-co-butadiene) and polybutadiene rubber/clay nanocomposites

M. Song, C. Wong, J. Jin, A. Ansarifar, Zhongyi Zhang, Mel Richardson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Poly(styrene-co-butadiene) rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (BR)/clay nanocomposites have been prepared. The effects of the incorporation of inorganically and organically modified clays on the vulcanization reactions of SBR and BR were analysed by rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry. A reduction in scorch time (ts1) and optimumtime (t95) was observed for both the rubbers when organoclay was added and this was attributed to the amine groups of the organic modifier. However, ts1 and t95 were further increased as the clay content was increased. A reduction in torque value was obtained for the organoclay nanocomposites, indicating a lower number of crosslinks formed.The organoclays favoured the vulcanization process although the vulcanizing effect was reduced with increasing clay content. The tensile strength and elongation of SBR were improved significantly with organoclay. The improvement of the tensile properties of BR with organoclay was less noticeable than inorganic-modified clay. Nevertheless, these mechanical properties were enhanced with addition of clay. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were dependent on filler size and dispersion, and also compatibility between fillers and the rubber matrix.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)560-568
    Number of pages9
    JournalPolymer International
    Volume54
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2005

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