Influence of Preparation Method on Properties of Natural Rubber/Sepiolite Composites

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR) composites filled with various sepiolite loadings were prepared and optimized by two different mixing methods, namely, melt mixing and latex mixing methods. The properties were evaluated through viscosity, stress relaxation, curing behaviors and tensile properties of rubber composites. The viscosity was influenced by sepiolite content and mixing methods. The greater interaction between rubber and sepiolite was obtained from melt mixing method. This reflected to the greater tensile strength found in this method. Considering the content of sepiolite, similar trend was observed for the curing properties and elongation at break. The greatest tensile strength was observed when the sepiloite content was at 1 phr.