Structure and properties of ZnO‐organobentonite‐filled natural rubber composites

Abstract

This study involved the preparation of composites consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles deposited within the structure of organophilic bentonite. These composites were subsequently utilized as fillers in natural rubber (NR). The organobentonites were initially prepared via a cation exchange reaction using alkylammonium ions with different chain lengths (C8N−C18N) and later deposited by ZnO nanoparticles. The identification of the ZnO‐organobentonites was conducted using various techniques, including powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV‐Vis spectroscopy, etc. The findings demonstrate the successful deposition of ZnO nanoparticles within the organobentonite's structure. The basal space between the silicate layers increased with the increasing chain length of alkylammonium ions. When added to NR, the ZnO‐organoclays mutually acted as a cure activator and filler. As expected, the ZnO‐organoclay modified by octadecylammonium ions (C18N) showed the greatest reinforcement due to its highest capability to enlarge the basal space between the silicate layers.