Effect of Modified Sepiolite Nanofibers on Properties of cis‐Polybutadiene Rubber Composite Nanomaterials

Abstract

In order to use sepiolite nanofibers ascis-polybutadiene rubber fillers, the hydrophilic character of sepiolite nanofibers should be modified by grafting organic group and controlling surface free energy for improving compatibility of sepiolite nanofibers in rubber matrix. The relationship between the performance of thecis-polybutadiene rubber filled with sepiolite and the coupling modification was investigated, and the influence of coupling agentγ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane dosage on mechanical properties ofcis-polybutadiene rubber materials was also studied. The results showed that the mechanical properties could be improved obviously after reinforcement by modified sepiolite nanofibers. The optimum dosage of coupling agentγ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane was 7%, and the tensile strength and tearing strength increased by 108.3% and 74.1%, respectively. On this basis, the reinforcement mechanism of the composite rubber materials was also discussed.

Effect of Different Silane Coupling Agents In-Situ Modified Sepiolite on the Structure and Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Prepared by Latex Compounding Method

“…Raji [ 33 ] and Peinado [ 34 ] modified sepiolite with aminosilanes and added it to polypropylene and poly(lactic acid), respectively, to enhance the compatibility of sepiolite with polymers and material properties. Silane coupling agent-modified sepiolite, as used by Wang et al [ 35 ] to reinforce cis-polybutadiene rubber, significantly improved the mechanical properties of the resulting composites, particularly when KH560 was used at 7%, which increased tensile and tear strengths by 108.3% and 74.1%, respectively. These results suggest that the addition of a silane coupling agent has a substantial impact on improving the strength of the sepiolite–polymer interface.…”