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The great potential of carbon nanotubes (CNT) as reinforcing filler in polymers has generated a huge interest at a scientific and technological level. However, pristine CNT tend to agglomerate in polymer matrices, thus reducing the effective properties transfer between the nanofiller and the matrix. Therefore, the aim of this work is to functionalize CNT with elemental sulfur to obtain Natural Rubber (NR) nanocomposites with enhanced chemical and physical properties and use them as a complement of traditional filler (carbon black) for the preparation of hybrid systems to obtain a synergistic effect of the properties of the different fillers, The great potential of carbon nanotubes (CNT) as reinforcing filler in polymers has generated a huge interest at a scientific and technological level. However, pristine CNT tend to agglomerate in polymer matrices, thus reducing the effective properties transfer between the nanofiller and the matrix. Therefore, the aim of this work is to functionalize CNT with elemental sulfur to obtain Natural Rubber (NR) nanocomposites with enhanced chemical and physical properties and use them as a complement of traditional filler (carbon black) for the preparation of hybrid systems to obtain a synergistic effect of the properties of the different fillers

Nowadays, precipitated silica in combination with bi-functional organo-silanes is one of the most important reinforcing systems for passenger car tyre tread compounds in order to achieve a balanced condition between the properties of rolling resistance, wet grip and wear resistance. In this work, a novel strategy based on the use of ionic elastomer in the tyre treads compounds is proposed as an alternative mechanism of rubber reinforcement, with the aim to obtain similar mechanical properties using lower content of silica, which could affect the rolling resistance and as a consequence the fuel consumption, Nowadays, precipitated silica in combination with bi-functional organo-silanes is one of the most important reinforcing systems for passenger car tyre tread compounds in order to achieve a balanced condition between the properties of rolling resistance, wet grip and wear resistance. In this work, a novel strategy based on the use of ionic elastomer in the tyre treads compounds is proposed as an alternative mechanism of rubber reinforcement, with the aim to obtain similar mechanical properties using lower content of silica, which could affect the rolling resistance and as a consequence the fuel consumption

Reinforcement of elastomers by addition of (nano)particles is a complex phenomenon that depends on several factors in different time- and length-scales. The final properties of rubber composites are primarily dictated by the addition of inherent properties of the different components that constitute the material: the rubber network structure and the so-called hydrodynamic effect. In addition, the actual reinforcement is strongly affected by the arrangement of particles (filler networking), whereas the last central factor that modifies the bulk properties in filled polymers is related to the particle-polymer interface. In the last years, time-domain NMR experiments performed on low-field spectrometers have shown their potential applicability on this field. This feasible, versatile and novel experimental approach allow us to obtain a complete and quantitative characterization of rubber network structure in filled rubber compounds (evaluating the effect of filler particles in the vulcanization process), and true molecular-level information on structure and dynamics in polymer-filler interface. Recently, it was also applied to evaluate the local characteristics of filled compounds in deformed state. By means of this innovative experimental approach, which involves low-cost technology with reliable possibilities to scale it into the industrial level, different elastomer nano-composites were evaluated, Reinforcement of elastomers by addition of (nano)particles is a complex phenomenon that depends on several factors in different time- and length-scales. The final properties of rubber composites are primarily dictated by the addition of inherent properties of the different components that constitute the material: the rubber network structure and the so-called hydrodynamic effect. In addition, the actual reinforcement is strongly affected by the arrangement of particles (filler networking), whereas the last central factor that modifies the bulk properties in filled polymers is related to the particle-polymer interface. In the last years, time-domain NMR experiments performed on low-field spectrometers have shown their potential applicability on this field. This feasible, versatile and novel experimental approach allow us to obtain a complete and quantitative characterization of rubber network structure in filled rubber compounds (evaluating the effect of filler particles in the vulcanization process), and true molecular-level information on structure and dynamics in polymer-filler interface. Recently, it was also applied to evaluate the local characteristics of filled compounds in deformed state. By means of this innovative experimental approach, which involves low-cost technology with reliable possibilities to scale it into the industrial level, different elastomer nano-composites were evaluated

In the research on nanocomposite materials, many efforts are focused on the rational development of new elastomer nanocomposites to be used in tire tread compounds. The main aim of this study is to improve the durability and energy efficiency of tires by applying the nanotechnology and the exploration of new rubber reinforcing strategies. Different nanoparticles and surface-modified nanoparticles have been used to minimize the volume fraction of fillers and modulate the rubber-nanoparticle interface in order to reduce the rolling resistance and the weight of this rubber compounds without any detriment of their mechanical properties., In the research on nanocomposite materials, many efforts are focused on the rational development of new elastomer nanocomposites to be used in tire tread compounds. The main aim of this study is to improve the durability and energy efficiency of tires by applying the nanotechnology and the exploration of new rubber reinforcing strategies. Different nanoparticles and surface-modified nanoparticles have been used to minimize the volume fraction of fillers and modulate the rubber-nanoparticle interface in order to reduce the rolling resistance and the weight of this rubber compounds without any detriment of their mechanical properties.