Natural Rubber-Clay Nanocomposites by Latex Method : Morphology and Mechanical Properties

In this study, modified DA-MMT filled NR/DA-MMT nanocomposites were manufactured by a latex method and a compounding method. Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the Cloisite 15A, carbon black, Na-MMT filled NR compounds and the DA-MMT filled NR compound by a latex method were also evaluated. The filler content of all compounds was 10phr except the carbon black filled compound. Degree of intercalation and dispersion was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). According to the XRD diffraction pattern and TEM analysis, extensive intercalation and homogeneous dispersion of the clay were obtained after the two-roll milling. Although the layer distance was increased, some parts of DA-MMT showed the layer distance of Na-MMT after vulcanization. DA-MMT filled NR compounds showed the highest ODR torques, tensile strength, modulus, and tear energy. The NR/DA-MMT nanocomposite (by a latex method) compared with a NR/DA-MMT nanocomposite (by a compounding method) was found that the improvement of the mechanical properties was mainly due to the degree of dispersion of the clay.