Polymer Bulletin, Vol.74, No.3, 783-801, 2017
Novel organomodified kaolin/silica hybrid fillers in natural rubber and its blend with polybutadiene rubber
Phosphorylated cashew nut shell liquid prepolymer (PCNSL) was used as an organomodifier for kaolin and the role of the PCNSL-modified kaolin as a reinforcing nanofiller in natural rubber (NR) and its blends with polybutadiene rubber (BR) was studied. The organomodified kaolin was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that PCNSL could act as a coupling agent and compatibilizer between kaolin and rubber. Improved physico-mechanical properties were observed at a dosage of 6 phr of the modified kaolin in NR. Blends of NR with BR containing precipitated silica/PCNSL-modified kaolin hybrid filler showed improved tensile properties, tear strength and flex fatigue resistance along with lower heat build-up which could be beneficial for applications such as automobile tire sidewall.
Keywords:Natural rubber;Butadiene rubber;Kaolin;Phosphorylated cashew nut shell liquid prepolymer;Reinforcement;Hybrid fillers