A Study on the Mechanical Properties of Organo-clay Filled NR/MMT Nanocomposites

In this study, Organo-montmorillonite(MMT) was synthesized by intercalation of various amine(Octylamine, Dodecylamine, Dimethyldodecylamine, Octadecylamine) compounds into layered silicate. Natural Rubber(NR)/MMT nanocomposites were prepared by reinforcement of Organo-MMT. X-ray diffraction(XRD) and Scanning electron microscope(SEM) were employed to characterize the layer distance of Organo-MMT and the morphology of the NR/MMT nanocomposites. The structures of the synthesized Organo-MMTs were analyzed by the measurement of FT-IR. Cure characteristics, surface free energy and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus and hardness of NR/MMT nanocomposites were carefully studied by contact angle meter, ODR, UTM, and hardness tester. FT-IR analysis showed a insertion of the alkyl and amine chains into the interlayers of the MMT. It was shown that the cure time of the organo-MMT was more decreased than that of -MMT. Surface free energy and tensile strength of the NR/DDA-MMT nanocomposite were the highest. NR/ODA-MMT nanocomposite was the highest in hardness.