Influence of poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the mechanical and thermal properties of natural rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, we describe the preparation and characterization of natural rubber nanocomposites filled with poly (methyl methacrylate) grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube. The use of various filler loadings (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt %) and melt blending method was employed. From the results, nanocomposite with 1 phr filler loading showed the optimal tensile strength of 4.92 MaP, while that of the carbon black N330 filled natural rubber with similar filler loading found to be 2.48 MaP. The nanocomposite with optimal tensile strength exhibited a good filler dispersion in the natural rubber matrix, which was depicted by the field emission scanning electron microscopy images. The thermal degradation temperature of the vulcanized neat natural rubber composite was increased from 380℃ to 462℃ with 1 phr filler loading. The polymer modified multiwalled carbon nanotube improved the mechanical and thermal properties of natural rubber, suggesting its potential as reinforcement filler in rubber industry.

Obvious improvement of dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix through careful interface design

“…The introduction of polar groups on the CNTs surface by the strong acid oxidation or by ultrasound has been confirmed to be an effective approach, but the unique 2D hexagonal graphitic lattice is inevitably damaged during the strong oxidation process, which would cause significant loss in the electronic and mechanical properties 17–22 . Another common method is to graft polymers or oligomers with structures close to the polymer matrix on the surface of CNTs, but this treatment is expensive and too complicated 23–27 …”

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber by Block Copolymer-Based Porous Carbon Fibers

“…20 Ali et al deposited poly(methyl methacrylate) on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes to prevent them from aggregating. 13 Other methods include roughening the surfaces of the carbon fillers, hence enhancing mechanical interlocking between matrix and fillers, and the introduction of functional groups or dopants to the carbon surface, which improve chemical interactions between the fillers and matrix. Shim et al employed a strong acid to modify the carbon surface and introduce pores to achieve filler−matrix interlocking.…”

“…Carbon materials alternative to CB, such as one-dimensional carbon nanotubes/carbon fibers and two-dimensional graphene, are potential high-performance rubber fillers because of their high aspect ratios and large contact surface areas. − However, these fillers have relatively poor interaction with polymer matrices, resulting in interfacial defects including filler debonding, filler pullout, and matrix cracking that challenge the performance of these carbon rubber composites . In addition, the poor filler–matrix interaction and strong filler–filler van der Waals attractions lead to filler aggregation, causing poor dispersion and low composite performance .…”

“…Yang et al prepared negatively charged graphene to ensure uniform dispersion in rubber . Ali et al deposited poly­(methyl methacrylate) on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes to prevent them from aggregating . Other methods include roughening the surfaces of the carbon fillers, hence enhancing mechanical interlocking between matrix and fillers, and the introduction of functional groups or dopants to the carbon surface, which improve chemical interactions between the fillers and matrix.…”