Investigation on in situ silica dispersed in natural rubber latex matrix combined with spray sputtering technology

Abstract

In this study, different processes are performed for the preparation of natural rubber latex (NRL)/silica composites. A novel approach is to use spray sputtering technology combined with in situ method to improve the dispersion of silica in rubber latex matrix and further improve the properties of vulcanizates. Results show that in situ silica in rubber matrix prepared from NH4Cl and Na2SiO3 has better Payen effect than other processes. Meanwhile, when the in situ silica reached 10 phr in the rubber matrix, the dosage can suitably match the dispersion capacity of the spray sputtering process with superior comprehensive mechanical properties. Compared with the traditional precipitation method, the tensile strength and tear strength of the silica/NR composites prepared by spray sputtering technology combined with in situ method were increased by 34.7% and 19.7%.

CFD simulation of silica dispersion/natural rubber latex mixing for high silica content rubber composite production

“…These advantages have positioned the wet process as a preferred method for silica-rubber compounding, streamlining mixing steps and lowering energy consumption in the rubber production process. 3,[12][13][14] Nevertheless, the natural rubber molecule and the silica ller are incompatible. Consequently, a number of techniques have been developed to increase the dispersion of silica in the rubber matrix.…”

Preparation of silica/natural rubber composites by foaming predispersion combined with gas‐phase‐assisted spray technology

“…[ 14,15 ] Compared with traditional dry mixing technology, the wet‐mixing technology significantly improves the dispersion of reinforcing fillers in rubber, reduces energy consumption, and production costs. [ 16,17,18 ] Wang et al [ 19,20 ] prepared highly dispersed silica/NR composites by atomization combined with high‐temperature sputtering method. Using the speed difference between the emulsion column and compressed air, the silica/NR emulsion is sharply atomized, and the atomized droplets hit the high‐temperature metal roller and sputter, realizing the microscopic dispersion of silica in NR matrix.…”