Fabrication and evaluation of properties of modified epoxidized natural rubber hybrid films by the incorporation of amine‐functionalized nanosilica

ABSTRACT

The study presented in this paper focuses upon the preparation, characterization, and properties of novel epoxidized natural rubber/functionalized SiO₂ nanocomposites (ENR/f-SiO₂ NCs) through the incorporation of surface-functionalized silica nanoparticles (f-SiO₂ NPs). Initially, ENR latex (epoxide content of 38%) as a matrix modifier was produced by epoxidation of natural rubber using in situ formed performic acid by mixing formic acid with hydrogen peroxide at 40°C for 24 hours. In order to prevent accumulation and obtain homogeneous dispersion of SiO₂ NPs into the ENR latex, 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) was grafted onto the silica surface to form f-SiO₂ nanoparticles. Then, f-SiO₂ nanoparticles with various contents (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) were embedded into the ENR matrix by ultrasonication technique for the fabrication of ENR/f-SiO₂ NCs. The effect of f-SiO₂ on the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of ENR was studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD).

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Epoxidized natural rubber
• nanocomposite
• nanosilica
• structural modification
• characterization and properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Atefeh Afzali

Atefeh Afzali is a postgraduate student pursuing master’s degree in the department of Polymer Engineering from Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.

Hojjat Toiserkani

Hojjat Toiserkani is an associate Professor at Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Department of Polymer Engineering. His research interests are in the preparation and characterization of new polymeric materials; fabrication of polymer nanocomposites and bionanocomposites; modification and functionalization of polymer surfaces; and so on.