Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposites Based on Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Sepiolite

摘要

Styrene butadiene rubber/sepiolite nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with filler vinyl triethoxy silane (VTES) modified sepiolite and co-agents trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPT) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ATMPT). The prepared nanocomposites showed improved thermal and mechanical properties attributed to stronger cross-linking between matrix and filler compared to the control samples. The FTIR measurements confirmed grafting of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate on SBR and development of polymer filler interactions. The SEM images revealed a good cohesion between SBR and sepiolite. The DSC analysis revealed increase in melting temperature (T_m) and crystallization temperature (T_c) with sepiolite content due to heterogeneous nucleation effect during the cold crystallization. The XRD measurements specified that the molecular frameworks of sepiolite or SBR were unaffected and modifications involved only the surface groups. In summary, investigations suggested the substantial improved properties for nanocomposites.