A comparative study on the effect of different fibrous nanofillers on the properties of natural rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

The specific geometry and distinct properties of one-dimensional nanostructures make them the most ideal candidates as reinforcing elements in composites and the dependence of physical, mechanical, thermal, and wear properties of polymer composites on their dimensionality, nature, and dispersion is interesting. The upsurging demands for high-performance elastomer composites require the application of such nanomaterials as reinforcing agents. Here, we offer a detailed characterization of some of the novel fibrous nanofillers such as silicon carbide nanofibers, aramid nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphite nanofibers. Morphology, crystallinity, surface chemistry, polarity, and thermal stability of these nanofibers were analyzed using techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Natural Rubber nanocomposites were developed using these fibrous nanofillers, and their rheometric, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties were studied. ANF-reinforced compounds gave the highest increment in 300% modulus while the highest tensile strength was obtained by CNT reinforced compounds at 4 phr filler loading. CNT and GNF-reinforced compounds improved the wear resistance simultaneously by 43% and 33% respectively, while SiC and ANF improved it by 10% and 8% respectively. Lower tan delta and better thermal stability were also recorded.Future exploration may involve the use of these nanofibers in conjunction with carbon black or silica to achieve high-performance elastomer compounds for real-life applications.

Tribological properties of carbon nanotube/polymer composites:A mini-review

“…Surya et al used fibers to reinforce natural rubber materials. CNT and graphite nanofibers reinforced compounds improved the wear resistance simultaneously by 43% and 33% respectively, while SiC and aramid nanofibers improved it by 10% and 8% respectively (Surya et al, 2022).…”

A coarse‐grained molecular dynamics study on the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes reinforced vulcanized natural rubber composites

“…Many efforts have been made to optimize the dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrices either by physical methods (e.g., ultrasonic oscillation, ball milling, and stirring) or chemical methods (e.g., functionalization of CNTs). [47][48][49] However, most of these methods can only alleviate the aggregation effect of CNTs to some extent, and also significantly destroy the perfect structure of CNTs, introducing impurities into the composites, thereby greatly reducing the enhancement effect of CNTs. In order to overcome the above obstacles, one of the future trends is to design covalently bonded 3D CNT cross-linked networks through 1D nanostructures.…”

A comprehensive review of the recent developments in thermoplastics and rubber blends‐based composites and nanocomposites

“…More than 50% of rubber production goes into automobile vehicle tires; the remaining rubber is used in manufacturing mechanical parts such as gaskets, mountings, hoses, belts, and other consumer products, e.g., clothes, shoes, toys, furniture goods, and so forth. [1][2][3] Each type of rubber, whether natural or synthetic, exhibits unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications. Rubber can be classified into different types, such as natural rubber (NR), neoprene rubber (CR), silicone rubber (SR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butyl rubber (IIR), and fluorosilicone rubber (FSR).…”

“…Thanks to the structural properties of rubber, such as elasticity, durability, and toughness, rubber is being used in the production of a number of items, from automobile tires to surgical gloves. More than 50% of rubber production goes into automobile vehicle tires; the remaining rubber is used in manufacturing mechanical parts such as gaskets, mountings, hoses, belts, and other consumer products, e.g., clothes, shoes, toys, furniture goods, and so forth 1–3 . Each type of rubber, whether natural or synthetic, exhibits unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications.…”