Latex-assisted functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced elastomeric nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical performance

ABSTRACT

Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT)-reinforced elastomeric blend nanocomposites were developed through co-coagulation of natural rubber and poly (butadiene rubber) latex blends followed by efficient dispersion of f-MWCNT by using high-speed mechanical perturbation and probe ultrasonication. A systematic variation of f-MWCNT loading revealed superior mechanical properties up to certain loading level of nanofillers. Abrasion resistance was found to be affected by blend composition and nanofiller loading. The thermogravimetric analysis further revealed the thermal degradation behavior of the nanocomposites. Overall, our study has established the potential to develop high-performance elastomeric nanocomposites by using f-MWCNT, efficient dispersion technique, and appropriate process parameters.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Nanocomposites
• rubber blends
• rubber
• carbon nanotube
• structure–property correlation

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank HASTERI, J. K. Tyre limited India for its support in characterizing the samples. We also acknowledge Manipal University Jaipur for supporting this research through “Seed Grant” funding.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Seed Grant, Manipal University Jaipur [MUJ/REGR/1403/195].

Notes on contributors

Upendra Kulshrestha

Mr. Upendra Kulshrestha is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Automobile Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur, India and is also pursuing his Ph.D. degree on rubber nanocomposites from Manipal University Jaipur, India. He completed his M.Tech. from Rajasthan Technical University Kota, India. His research interests are mainly on nanomaterials and polymer composites.

Subrata Bandhu Ghosh

Dr. Subrata Bandhu Ghosh is working as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur India. He pursued his Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield, U.K. Before joining Sheffield, he was awarded Predoctoral Fellowship from University of Leuven, Belgium, where in addition to pursuing research, he joined the European Postgraduate Programme in Polymer and Composite Engineering. Upon completion of his Ph.D., Dr. Ghosh joined University of Toronto, Canada as a Postdoctoral Fellow and later as a Research Scientist. Dr. Subrata Bandhu Ghosh is currently engaged in research programs on bio-based nanocomposites, additive manufacturing and sustainable biomaterials.

Niti Nipun Sharma

Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma is working as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur, India. He pursued his Ph.D. from BITS Pilani, India. Dr. Sharma was a visiting Professor in EPFL, Switzerland. He was the first recipient of ‘Kris Ramachandran Best Faculty Award’ in 2010 from BITS, Pilani. Currently, Dr. Sharma is working in the interdisciplinary areas of MEMS and nanotechnology. He has three patents and over 100 technical papers in peer reviewed journals and conferences.