Investigating the effect of nanoclay/carbon black on sulfur curing system of SBR/BR and NR/BR blends

Abstract

In this study, the effect of nanoclay and carbon black on the curing system of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/butadiene rubber (BR) and natural rubber (NR)/BR blends were investigated. The dispersion of nanoclay and carbon black in blends was studied under the x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Intercalated microstructure of SBR/BR blends is more stable than NR/BR blends. The presence of carbon black did not affect the dispersion state of nanoclay in NR/BR nanocomposites. By increasing the amount of nanoclay from 0 to 9 phr, the scorch time, optimum cure time, and difference between maximum and minimum torque were reduced in both the blends.