The Effects of TOR as a Compatibilizer on Tensile and Morphological Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Recycled Chloroprene Rubber (SBR/CRr) Blends

Abstract

Blends of styrene butadiene rubber/recycled chloroprene rubber (SBR/CRr) with and without of trans-polyoctylene rubber (TOR) were prepared and the effects of tensile and morphological properties were determined. Both uncompatibilised and compatibilised SBR/CRr blends were prepared using a two roll mill at room temperature with blend ratios 95/5, 85/15, 75/25, 65/35 and 50/50. Compatiblized SBR/CRr blends with TOR enhanced the tensile strength and M100 but reduced the Eb and rebound resilience compared to uncompatibilized SBR/CRr blends. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the tensile fractured surface of compatibilised SBR/CRr blend at 15 and 50 blend ratios illustrated a stronger interfacial adhesion and better dispersion of CRr-SBR matrix.