Natural Rubber Latex Based Nanocomposites for Tyre Tread Application

ABSTRACT

Cloisite Na ⁺ (Na‐MMT), a hydrated aluminium silicate belonging to the class of montmorillonite, is a widely used nanomaterial which can improve various physical properties. In this study, NR latex was mixed with a dispersion of Na‐MMT at various concentrations (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) and co‐coagulated using mechanical destabilization by stirring at high speed (14000 rpm). This method enabled the in situ formation of an NR/layered silicate nanocomposite with exfoliated clay platelets. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies confirmed that Na‐MMT platelets are exfoliated to a good extent in the matrix. To achieve an optimal blend ratio that meets the technological requirements of the national specification, Na‐MMT/NR composites were blended with butadiene rubber (BR). Na‐MMT at 3 phr loading exhibited the best balance of properties and rubber‐filler interaction.