Nanofiber‐Carbon black dual filler reinforced sustainable high‐performance Natural Rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

In the present work, uncured and cured properties of high-performance, sustainable Natural Rubber nanocomposites developed by leveraging the unique synergy between carbon black and fibrous nanofillers such as silicon carbide, carbon nanotubes, and aramid nanofibers were investigated. Reinforcement in these composites was analyzed using the properties of the unvulcanized compounds, which were then correlated with those of the vulcanized compounds. A 50% increment was recorded for the bound rubber content of the nanocomposites, which resulted in tremendous improvements in the reinforcement index and tensile strength of the unvulcanized nanocomposites. In contrast, the die swell index came down compared with the control compound. The formation of a percolating network due to the presence of high aspect ratio fibers resulted in a higher Payne effect in hybrid nanocomposites, which was confirmed from the scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The 100% modulus, 300% modulus, and tensile strength of the unvulcanized nanocomposites recorded an improvement of 80, 121, and 450%, respectively, by the incorporation of nanofibers. The molecular aspects of reinforcement were elucidated from theoretical calculations using Mooney-Rivlin plots. It was presumed that the improved reinforcing efficiency of the nanofibers resulted from restricted mobility of elastomer chains due to the presence of the dual filler system.

Experimental validation of two constitutive models for numerical simulation on the extrusion of rubber blends

“…1,2 Extrusion, as one of the common manufacturing methods, plays a vital role in rubber forming. [3][4][5] Nowadays, the automobile industry demands high-quality rubber products with complicated cross-sectional shapes, which presents new challenges to the current processing methods. The flow process of the compound melt in the runner is much more complex, and the design parameters of the runner and die are mostly empirically determined, with little guidance from theoretical calculations.…”

“…Because of its excellent vibration‐damping and sound‐insulating properties, rubber is widely used in the manufacture of tires, inner tubes, and sealing materials for windows, doors, and trucks 1,2 . Extrusion, as one of the common manufacturing methods, plays a vital role in rubber forming 3–5 . Nowadays, the automobile industry demands high‐quality rubber products with complicated cross‐sectional shapes, which presents new challenges to the current processing methods.…”

Aramid nanofiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability, melt‐crystallization rates, and mechanical toughness

“…Due to these attributes, ANFs have been increasingly utilized as reinforcing organic nanofillers in polymer nanocomposites. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Patterson et al demonstrated that when ANFs are dispersed in the epoxy matrix of continuous macroscale aramid fiber (AF)-reinforced composites, they serve as effective reinforcement agents. This is achieved through improvements in both the matrix properties and modifications in the interfacial shear strength, thanks to hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions between the ANFs and macro AFs.…”

A comparative study on the effect of different fibrous nanofillers on the properties of natural rubber nanocomposites

“…[ 1–3 ] Excellent abrasion strength and improved processability are also reported by various research groups. [ 4,5 ] It must be kept in mind that such improvements come along with the challenges prevailing in handling these nanofillers and ensuring their exquisite dispersion in the matrix. [ 1,2 ] It is reported widely that the aspect ratio of nanofillers plays a noteworthy part in enhancing the reinforcing efficiency of nanofillers to develop polymer nanocomposites with better structural and functional performance.…”