Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Hectorite Hybrid Reinforced Styrene Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposite: Preparation and Properties

ABSTRACT

Clay-assisted dispersion of MWCNT has emerged as a novel alternative to its conventional modification. The report deals with preparation of MWCNT/hectorite hybrid (HMH) by dry grinding method and its utilization for the reinforcement of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Significant improvement in tensile strength (210%) and elongation at break (42%) of SBR/HMH nanocomposite at 0.7 wt.% HMH shows its superior reinforcing efficiency. Comparison with individual fillers confirms significant synergy. Best thermal stability and dielectric response are achieved at 0.3 and 0.7 wt.% filler contents respectively. Improved properties of the nanocomposites are ascribed to enhanced level of filler dispersion and polymer-filler interaction.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Hectorite
• hybrid
• MWCNT
• reinforcement
• SBR nanocomposites
• synergy

Acknowledgments

BB and SKS are thankful to IIT Kharagpur for providing necessary facilities.