Bentonite as a reinforcing and compatibilizing filler for natural rubber and polystyrene blends in latex stage

Abstract

Bentonite clay was used as a reinforcing and compatibilizing filler for natural rubber/polystyrene (NR/PS) blend via latex blending process. The reinforcing and compatibilizing performance of bentonite clay in the NR/PS blends were evaluated. The improvement of the mechanical properties of NR/PS blends with the weight ratios of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 was found with the addition of 3 and 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) clay. The characterization by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) gave the evidence that the silicate layer was intercalated by NR and PS molecular chains. The morphology of tensile fracture surface by scanning electron microscope showed the separated phase boundaries of PS and NR blend and gradual disappearance with the bentonite content. This could be implied that the bentonite contributes to the compatibilization between PS and NR. The compatibilization action of the bentonite clay was also reflected by the shift of glass transition temperature (Tg) of NR to higher temperatures than those of the blends. These results suggested that the tensile and tear properties of the blends were controlled by compatibility between NR and PS. The most enhanced properties of blends were found with the addition of 3 phr bentonite clay. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1436–1443, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers

Pseudo-Ductility, Morphology and Fractography Resulting from the Synergistic Effect of CaCO3 and Bentonite in HDPE Polymer Nano Composite

“…This engrossing finding shows that, during processing, bentonite, which is more compatible as compared to CaCO 3 , acted as an agent to change the surface morphology of nano filler to enhance interfacial polymer–filler adherence. This explains the preferential high values of Equation (1) for an increase in TS [ 15 , 23 ]. Comparative Weight % (CW %) = wt % of bentonite (nano clay)/wt % of CaCO 3 …”

Effect of Organo‐Modified Montmorillonite on the Morphology and Properties of SEBS/TPU Nanocomposites

“…During the past 20 years, organo‐modified nanoclays used as potential compatibilizer for immiscible polymer blends has been widely studied and assessed due to their large specific area per unit volume and lower cost compared to available copolymer compatibilizers . It was shown that nanoclays can selectively disperse in one polymer phase and alter viscosity ratios or migrate to the phase interface and prevent drop coalescence.…”

Cell evolution and compressive properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene toughened and calcium carbonate reinforced polystyrene extrusion foams with supercritical carbon dioxide

“…The compounding of PS with both rubber and rigid nanoparticles has attracted considerable attention because of the promise of simultaneous improvements in the stiffness and toughness . It has been shown that bentonite clay could compatibilize and reinforce the natural rubber/PS system via a latex blending process . The addition of boehmite alumina into the PS/styrene–butadiene–rubber system was found to produce toughened and reinforced polymer composites .…”